Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that over the past week, Russia launched more than 3,170 strike drones, over 1,300 guided bombs, and 74 missiles of various types against Ukrainian cities and communities. This statement was made via Telegram on May 17.
The majority of these attacks targeted residential buildings and critical civilian infrastructure. Zelensky expressed condolences for the 52 people who lost their lives due to these assaults, with an additional 346 individuals injured, including 22 children. He emphasized the urgent need for enhanced protection for the Ukrainian people and the importance of support for the country’s air defense systems.
“We must be self-sufficient in our defense to ensure that Russian aerial terror does not threaten Ukraine or any other country on the continent. I am grateful to all partners who support our defense through concrete actions,” Zelensky stated.
On May 17, Russian forces launched a significant attack involving 287 Shahed drones and other types, with Ukrainian air defense successfully neutralizing 279 of them during the ensuing air battles.
Earlier, on the night of May 14, Russian troops targeted Kyiv and various regions with drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, leading to casualties and injuries. According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the assault began around 6 PM on May 13, following a massive drone strike, and continued with a combination of drone and missile attacks.
During the night of May 14, Ukrainian air defense intercepted 652 drones and 41 missiles from a total of 675 and 56, respectively. However, 15 missiles and 23 strike drones struck 24 locations, with debris falling in 18 areas.
In Kyiv, reports indicated 24 fatalities and over 50 injuries, with significant damage to residential buildings, particularly in the Darnytskyi district. As of 1:33 PM, at least 20 individuals were reported missing. In the Kyiv region, damage was noted across five districts.
In Kharkiv, strikes were recorded in the Shevchenkivskyi district, resulting in injuries to 15 people. Additionally, on the morning of May 14, a Shahed drone hit the Saltivskyi district, injuring nine people, including two children.
In the Odesa region, Russian forces launched a mass attack on port and civilian infrastructure, damaging a residential building. Two men, aged 33 and 70, were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the attack.
In Zaporizhzhia, Russian strikes targeted industrial infrastructure, but preliminary reports indicated no injuries, according to the head of the regional military administration, Ivan Fedorov.
On the same day, Russian drones struck the city of Novhorod-Siverskyi in the Chernihiv region, damaging equipment at an agricultural enterprise. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine would initiate a United Nations Security Council meeting in response to the latest wave of attacks.
Ukraine continues to endure heavy attacks from Russia, with significant drone and missile strikes reported over the past week. President Zelensky highlights the urgent need for enhanced air defense as casualties rise.