Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the Defense Forces and intelligence agencies to formulate a response to a significant Russian assault that occurred on May 13 and 14. This directive comes in light of a coordinated attack that involved a large number of drones and missiles.
In his statement, Zelensky detailed that the recent waves of attacks included the deployment of 1,567 drones and 56 missiles of various types. He emphasized that Ukraine’s air defense systems successfully intercepted 94% of the drones and 73% of the missiles launched during this period.
The president characterized the assault as a deliberate act of terrorism by Russia, noting that the aggressor had stockpiled drones and missiles over time. This strategy aimed to execute a large-scale attack designed to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
On the night of May 14, Russia conducted a combined assault on Ukraine, utilizing both kamikaze drones and a variety of missiles. Reports indicate that throughout the night, Russian forces launched 56 missiles and 675 drones at various targets across the country.
Significant destruction has been reported in Kyiv and the surrounding Kyiv region, along with damage in several other areas of Ukraine. As of now, the capital has recorded seven fatalities and 39 injuries, with at least 20 individuals still unaccounted for.
According to Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat, this attack represents one of the most powerful strikes witnessed since the onset of the full-scale war. He noted that Russian forces employed virtually their entire arsenal of aerial attack capabilities during this operation.
In response to a substantial Russian attack involving drones and missiles, President Zelensky has ordered a strategic evaluation by Ukraine's defense forces. The assault resulted in significant casualties and damage, marking one of the most intense strikes of the ongoing conflict.