Ukraine in May 2026: the most important developments in security
Ukraine's security situation in May 2026 was dominated by long-range strikes in both directions. The most covered event was the Russian attack on Kyiv on May 24, in which Russia confirmed it used a new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile alongside other missiles and drones; at least four people were killed and dozens injured. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a "terrorist" act. Russia then told foreigners, including Americans, to leave Kyiv and threatened "consistent and systematic strikes". On May 13 Russia had launched more than 800 drones and missiles at Ukraine, and reports put the toll in Kyiv at 24 dead, including three children, by May 15.
Ukraine struck deep inside Russia. Drones hit the Primorsk oil terminal on May 3, and a Russian military plant on May 5 with new Flamingo missiles. On May 17 Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow in over a year, killing four people; Russia said it shot down 1,054 drones in a day. Refineries at Syzran, Yaroslavl and Saratov were hit. Russian officials said a Ukrainian strike on a college dormitory in Starobilsk, Luhansk region, killed students, with 21 dead by May 26; Kyiv said it targeted a Russian drone unit.
Separate Victory Day ceasefires, announced by Russia for May 8-9 and by Ukraine from the night of May 5-6, were marked by mutual accusations of violations. A three-day truce announced by Trump began on May 9 with the same accusations. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed over 16,000 Ukrainian violations. Large attacks resumed after the truce expired, and on May 15 the two sides exchanged 205 prisoners each.
The war spilled over Ukraine's borders. Stray drones entered Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia; Latvia's defence minister and prime minister resigned. A Russian drone hit an apartment building in Romania on May 29, injuring two. On May 30 a drone struck the machine hall of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Rosatom blamed Ukraine, which denied it. Sweden agreed to donate 16 older Gripen jets to Ukraine, and Zelensky said the US had not answered his request for air defense missiles.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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