Russia Escalates Drone, Missile Attacks on Ukraine

In May, Russia significantly escalated its long-range attacks on Ukraine, firing a record 8,150 drones and 211 missiles. This surge in attacks, a 24% increase in drones from April, resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure in cities like Ukraine — Kyiv, Ukraine — Kherson, and Ukraine — Chernihiv. Ukraine, despite its robust air defense network, remains heavily reliant on Western allies, particularly the United States, for missile defense systems and ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to US President Donald Trump for urgent assistance, as stocks of anti-missile systems like MIM-104 Patriot are running low. Diplomatic efforts to end the war have stalled, further complicated by the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has diverted Washington's attention and resources, exacerbating Ukraine's defense deficits.