According to a compilation based on data from the Ukrainian Air Force, Moscow launched 8,150 long-range drones in May, a 24% increase compared with the 6,600 recorded in April.
The number of missiles fired by Russia was also among the highest since the start of the invasion in February 2022, totalling 211 in May.
These included an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which was used for the third time since the beginning of the conflict.
The increase in attacks occurred despite a three-day truce that began on 9 May, which had raised expectations of diplomatic progress to bring the war to an end. Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of violating the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump.
Read more: Ukraine: Russia launches attack with 232 kamikaze drones
In mid-May, one of the deadliest Russian attacks on Kyiv destroyed much of a residential building, killing around 20 people, according to Ukrainian authorities. Ukraine claims to have intercepted 91% of the drones and missiles launched by Russia during the month of May.
Despite having developed its own drone defence system, Kyiv remains dependent on military support from its Western allies to counter missile attacks. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly warned about insufficient ammunition stocks for air defence systems.
At the end of May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the United States to send more missiles for Patriot anti-missile systems, arguing that Russia may intensify its attacks in the coming months.
The shortage of air defence ammunition has been worsened by the conflict in the Middle East, which has led several of Washington’s allies to use significant quantities of these resources to protect infrastructure and strategic interests in the Gulf region.
