Context:

Russia launched one of its largest assaults on Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles across the country, including less frequently targeted western regions. This escalation is part of a pattern of increasing air assaults, with Russia using decoy drones to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. Despite Ukraine intercepting a significant portion of these drones, only two-thirds of the missiles were shot down, leading to the death of a Ukrainian pilot. The attacks have exacerbated civilian casualties, with a 37% increase in deaths and injuries reported by the UN. President Zelensky continues to urge allies for more sanctions on Russia and assistance with air defense systems, such as the American-designed Patriot systems, amidst the ongoing conflict's toll on civilians.

Dive Deeper:

• Russia's overnight assault on Ukraine involved 537 drones and missiles, making it one of the largest attacks since the war began, with strikes occurring in the western regions that are usually less affected.

• The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia has been using decoy drones increasingly over the past year, complicating Ukrainian defense efforts as they expend their limited missile stockpiles to counter these threats.

• Despite intercepting 90% of the drones, only two-thirds of the missiles were neutralized, resulting in the tragic loss of a Ukrainian pilot who was attempting to repel the attack with his F-16 jet.

• A report indicates Russia has significantly increased its drone launches from 200 to over 1,000 per week, suggesting that the total may surpass 5,000 by month's end, as Russia boosts its drone production capabilities.

• Ukrainian President Zelensky has been pushing for stricter sanctions on Russia and for the acquisition of more advanced air defense systems from allies, specifically American Patriot systems, to better counter missile threats.

• The United Nations reported a sharp rise in civilian casualties, with a 37% increase from December 2024 to May 2025, highlighting the growing human cost of the conflict, particularly in Ukrainian-controlled areas.

• The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year, has seen relentless air assaults by Russia, which continue to endanger civilian lives and strain Ukraine's military resources, as noted by the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.