In May, Ukrainian defense units significantly increased their operational scope, targeting various Russian military logistics hubs, command posts, and air defense systems. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported these developments via Telegram.
During the month, Ukrainian forces successfully struck three Pantsir-S1 air defense systems located in the settlements of Novy Svit (Donetsk region), Henichesk Hirka (Kherson region), and at the Saki airfield in Crimea. Additionally, four Tor and Tor-M2 air defense systems were hit in Mykhailivka, Staryi Oskol, Zakhidne, and Berdyansk, along with Buk-M3 systems in Olkhovatka and Osa systems in Donetsk.
Further confirmed strikes included a command-and-control vehicle of the Buk-M2 system in the city of Kadiivka and a coastal radar station, MYS-M1, near the settlement of Mayak. Other radar systems targeted included:
- Podlyot in Yevpatoria;
- P-18 Terik in the settlement of Sofiivka;
- Kasta-2E in Mysove;
- Yastreb in Novosolovka;
- 1L125 Niobiy-SV in Yarsk;
- Nebo-SV in Kam’yanka;
- ST-68 in Feodosia;
- MR-232 Bussol-S in Mariupol.
In total, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted eight command posts, 25 drone control points, and over fifty Russian supply and repair bases throughout the month.
“The R-280 highway, which connects Rostov-on-Don with the temporarily occupied Crimea, has also come under fire control,” the defense ministry added.
On June 1, the Ministry of Defense indicated that the intensity of frontline clashes in May 2026 reached unprecedented levels, with 7,008 combat encounters reported. This increase reflects heightened military activity by Russian forces.
Throughout May, Russian Aerospace Forces dropped approximately 7,500 guided bombs on Ukrainian territories and defense positions. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense attributes this escalation to the lack of success by Russian forces on the front lines, largely due to the strong resistance from the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to the General Staff, May marked the second-highest month for the use of guided bombs since the onset of the full-scale invasion, with only March seeing a higher total of 7,987 bombs dropped.
In April, there were 5,085 combat encounters, and Russian Aerospace Forces released nearly 7,000 guided bombs on Ukrainian positions.
In May, Ukrainian forces intensified their military operations against Russian targets, successfully striking multiple air defense systems and command posts. This escalation is part of a broader trend of increased combat engagements and aerial bombardments on both sides.