Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on May 2 that Russian forces launched approximately 1,600 strike drones, nearly 1,100 guided aerial bombs, and three missiles against Ukraine within the past week. He characterized these assaults as a daily ‘safari on people’ in frontline and border communities.
Zelensky emphasized that such extensive attacks are aimed at overwhelming Ukraine’s air defense systems. He stated,
“Daily missile supplies are crucial. It is equally important that pressure on the aggressor does not weaken, as any easing of existing sanctions only replenishes the Russian treasury, which they spend on war.”
The president also expressed condolences to the victims and families affected by a recent Russian drone strike on a city bus in Kherson, which occurred earlier that day. He noted that all casualties from the attack were civilians, asserting that the Russians were aware of this fact.
In his remarks, Zelensky described the ongoing violence as a brutal ‘safari on people’ that occurs daily in frontline and border regions. He cited instances of drone strikes in Kharkiv, where a residential building was hit, as well as attacks on energy infrastructure in Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Sumy, Kherson, and Donetsk.
During the night of May 2, Russia launched 163 strike drones of various types against Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense managed to neutralize 142 of these drones. However, 17 drones successfully struck 12 locations, with debris falling in two areas.
Earlier, the president’s representative for sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasuk, indicated that despite anti-Russian sanctions, new components manufactured in 2025 have been identified in the drones used by Russia. This suggests that Moscow is circumventing restrictions, underscoring the need for intensified sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a significant increase in Russian drone attacks, highlighting the impact on civilians and the need for sustained military support. The ongoing conflict continues to challenge Ukraine's air defenses amid concerns over sanctions effectiveness.