**Russia Escalates Attacks on Ukraine, Defying Global Diplomacy**
In a shocking display of military might, Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on Ukraine for the third consecutive night. The attack, which began in the early hours of May 26th, saw 355 explosive and decoy drones, as well as 9 air-launched cruise missiles, targeting various cities across Ukraine.
According to reports from Ukraine’s Air Force, all 9 Kh-101 missiles were intercepted, and 288 drones were neutralized using a combination of aviation, air defense missile systems, electronic warfare, and mobile fire groups. However, despite these efforts, drone impacts were recorded in five locations, with debris falling in ten areas.
**Targeting Civilian Infrastructure**
The attack was particularly focused on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, with the goal of disrupting daily life for Ukrainian citizens. In Kharkiv Oblast, 13 explosions were heard, causing fires and casualties. In Kyiv, damage was reported in two districts, including shattered windows in a residential building.
In Odesa Oblast, a teenager was injured, suffering leg wounds, while several private homes and outbuildings were damaged. In other areas, such as Khmelnytskyi and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, civilians were injured or killed in Russian attacks.
**Escalating Tensions**
The attack comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is pushing for talks between Kyiv and Moscow to end the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. However, Russia’s continued air assaults on civilian areas suggest that their goal is not to engage in diplomatic discussions, but rather to exert pressure on Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting all 9 Kh-101 missiles and neutralizing 288 drones, but over 60 Russian drones may have reached their targets, marking a notably lower interception rate compared to previous attacks.
