Russia has launched one of its largest barrages against Ukraine in recent days, with aerial defenses reporting more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles targeting various cities. On May 18, Russian drones and missiles struck Dnipro, injuring three people, and Odesa, where hits on residential buildings, a school, and a kindergarten injured an 11-year-old boy and a 59-year-old man. Further attacks on May 19 damaged port infrastructure in Izmail, and at least a dozen people were injured overnight across central and southern Ukraine.
Ukraine has countered by launching some of its largest drone strikes against Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion to weaken Russia's war machine. Utilizing mid and long-range capabilities, Ukraine has targeted oil facilities and other sites deep inside Russia, reaching territories up to 2,000 kilometers from the border. Ukrainian officials stated that resources have also been focused on middle strikes against radars and air defenses around 180km behind the front lines.
Russian authorities report that they have downed four Ukrainian drones headed toward Moscow. Over the past week, Russian forces claim to have destroyed 3,124 drones, including more than 1,000 in a single day. As peace talks stall, both sides continue to deny deliberately targeting civilians.