In the early hours of May 7, Russian forces launched a significant drone assault on Ukraine, deploying 102 strike drones of various types. The attack, which began around 7:00 PM on May 6, resulted in impacts and debris falling across several regions.
The drones utilized in this operation included models such as “Shahed,” “Gerbera,” “Italmas,” and imitation drones known as “Parody.” These unmanned aerial vehicles were launched from multiple locations, including Bryansk, Kursk, Milleryovo, Orel, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as from temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Crimea.
Ukrainian defense forces, comprising aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, drone systems, and mobile fire groups, actively engaged in repelling the attack. As of 8:00 AM, preliminary reports indicated that air defense forces had intercepted or suppressed 92 enemy drones in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
According to official statements, there were confirmed hits from eight strike drones at six locations, with debris falling in four areas. The Ukrainian Air Force noted that the assault was ongoing, with enemy drones still present in the airspace, prompting authorities to urge citizens to adhere to safety protocols.
Earlier, Ukraine had declared a ceasefire at midnight on May 6, yet Russian forces continued their bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Shortly after the ceasefire began, explosions were reported in Dnipro, with additional attacks affecting Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and the Sumy region.
On the afternoon of May 6, Russian “Shahed” drones targeted the center of Sumy, striking a kindergarten. Rescue teams later recovered the bodies of two staff members trapped under the rubble, while seven others sustained injuries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia had not ceased its attacks despite Kyiv’s proposal for a ceasefire. He emphasized that Ukraine would respond in kind, contingent upon Russia’s subsequent actions.
The drone strikes continued into the night of May 7, with reports of injuries to two individuals in Dnipro due to drone strikes, which also caused a fire in a high-rise building.
A recent wave of drone attacks by Russian forces on Ukraine coincided with a declared ceasefire, leading to casualties and extensive damage. Ukrainian defense systems managed to intercept a majority of the drones, but the situation remains tense as hostilities persist.