In the early hours of May 14, Russian forces initiated a significant offensive against Ukraine, deploying drones and missiles across various regions. Reports indicate that explosions were heard in multiple cities, including Cherkasy and Kremenchuk.
Key Developments:
- Multiple groups of drones were launched towards Ukraine, with confirmed sightings of ballistic and cruise missile launches.
- Russian strategic bombers, including the MiG-31K, Tu-160, and Tu-95MS, were reportedly deployed.
- Regions affected by the attacks include Cherkasy and Kremenchuk, among others.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces continued to launch new waves of attack drones after 11 PM local time. Drones were detected in Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Poltava, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Kherson regions.
Monitoring channels reported that strategic bombers Tu-95MS were again airborne after 11 PM. Additionally, Tu-160 aircraft were also noted in the skies. If these flights were combat missions, Russian cruise missiles could potentially reach Ukrainian airspace between 3 AM and 6 AM. However, the Ukrainian Air Force has not yet confirmed the presence of Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers.
At approximately 12:51 AM, air raid alerts were issued in Kyiv and several other regions due to the threat of ballistic missile attacks. Shortly thereafter, missile launches were recorded in the direction of Kremenchuk.
In conjunction with the ballistic missile threat, at least one MiG-31K aircraft, known to carry Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, was also reported in the air. Monitoring channels noted a missile launch, although official confirmation has not been provided.
Additionally, starting at 1:16 AM, cruise missiles were launched towards Ukraine, with speculation that these may have been Iskander-K missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed missile sightings in Poltava, directed towards Kyiv and north of Cherkasy.
Details on Affected Areas:
Cherkasy: Reports from the media outlet Suspilne indicated that explosions were heard in Cherkasy around 12:49 AM. Monitoring channels suggested a drone attack on the city, but no further details on the aftermath have been released.
Poltava Region: Following the air raid alerts issued at 12:51 AM, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed missile launches towards Kremenchuk. Local reports indicated that explosions were audible in the city, with additional drone attacks also reported. When missile activity was confirmed in Poltava at 1:16 AM, regional head Vitaliy Dyakivnych acknowledged the attacks but did not provide further specifics. Suspilne also reported explosions in the Poltava district.
The recent wave of Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine has raised concerns about escalating military actions. Key regions such as Cherkasy and Kremenchuk have reported significant incidents, highlighting the ongoing conflict's intensity.