In the early hours of May 24, Russian forces executed a significant combined assault on Ukraine, deploying a range of aerial and missile strikes primarily aimed at Kyiv. This operation involved the use of drones and missiles from air, sea, and land platforms.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, a total of 690 aerial threats were detected, comprising 90 missiles and 600 drones of various types.
- One medium-range ballistic missile launched from Kapustin Yar in the Astrakhan region of Russia;
- Two air-launched ballistic missiles, Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal”, from the Lipetsk region;
- Three anti-ship missiles, 3M22 “Zircon”, from the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea and Kursk;
- Thirty ballistic missiles, Iskander-M/S-400, from Bryansk, Kursk, and Crimea;
- Fifty-four cruise missiles, including Kh-101, Iskander-K, and Kalibr, launched from various locations including Vologda and the Black Sea;
- 600 strike drones, including types such as Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, loitering munitions “Bandero”, and decoy drones “Parody”, launched from multiple Russian regions.
As of 9:30 AM, preliminary reports indicated that Ukrainian air defense systems had intercepted or neutralized 604 targets, including 55 missiles and 549 drones.
- Eleven Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles;
- Forty-four cruise missiles, Kh-101, Iskander-K, and Kalibr;
- 549 enemy drones of various types.
Additionally, it is believed that 19 enemy missiles may not have reached their intended targets, with ongoing assessments to determine the locations of their impacts.
By 9:30 AM, reports confirmed strikes from 16 missiles and 51 drones across 54 locations, with debris from downed drones scattered across 23 sites.
The assault on Kyiv and its surrounding areas was preceded by a warning from the Ukrainian Air Force regarding the potential use of the medium-range ballistic missile “Oreshnik”. Throughout the night, Russian forces targeted Kyiv and the Kyiv region with both ballistic missiles and strike drones.
Debris from these attacks fell in various districts of the capital, resulting in damage, injuries, and fatalities. Reports also indicate casualties and destruction in the broader Kyiv region.
Prior to the assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had alerted the public, citing intelligence from American and European partners about Russia’s preparations to launch the “Oreshnik” missile. He urged citizens to heed air raid alerts and seek shelter.
Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, confirmed to RBC-Ukraine that Russian forces had indeed struck Kyiv Oblast with the medium-range ballistic missile RS-26 “Rubizh” (“Oreshnik”).
A coordinated missile and drone attack by Russia targeted Kyiv and surrounding areas, resulting in significant interceptions by Ukrainian air defenses. The assault led to casualties and damage in the capital, with President Zelensky warning citizens ahead of the strikes.