On May 31, Ukrainian military officials reported that Russia launched an extensive drone assault involving 229 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various types, including ‘Shahed’ drones, as well as ‘Herbera’, ‘Italmas’, and imitation drones dubbed ‘Parodia’. The attacks commenced the previous evening and were primarily directed at Ukrainian territory.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, their defense systems successfully intercepted 212 of these drones. The launches originated from several Russian locations, including the towns of Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, Milleryovo, Shatalovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as the temporarily occupied Gvardeyskoye in Crimea.
As of 08:30 on May 31, it was reported that the air defense systems had neutralized 212 Russian drones across the eastern and northern regions of Ukraine. Among the intercepted UAVs were the ‘Shahed’, ‘Herbera’, and ‘Italmas’ models.
The Ukrainian Air Force noted that 14 enemy strike drones were confirmed to have hit 11 locations, with debris from downed targets also reported at five additional sites.
Russian military forces have consistently targeted Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure using various types of weaponry, including strike drones, missiles, guided aerial bombs, and multiple launch rocket systems. These attacks have raised significant concerns regarding their impact on civilian life.
Ukrainian authorities, along with international organizations, have classified these strikes as war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, emphasizing their targeted nature. The assaults on critical infrastructure, including energy systems and healthcare facilities, are viewed as attempts to deprive civilians of essential services such as electricity, heating, water supply, communication, and medical assistance, which some officials have characterized as genocidal actions.
In contrast, Russian leadership has denied allegations that its military is deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure during the ongoing conflict, asserting that such claims are unfounded.
Ukrainian military reports indicate that Russia has launched a significant drone attack involving 229 UAVs, with 212 intercepted by air defense systems. The ongoing assaults on civilian infrastructure are being classified as war crimes by Ukrainian authorities and international organizations.