Recent Developments, May 26, 2025
Massive Russian Air Attacks: Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults since the war began, including a record number of drones and multiple missiles.
- Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched nine Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS bomber planes and a record 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys overnight.
- Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down all nine missiles and 233 drones, with another 55 drones neutralized by electronic warfare systems or disappearing from radars.
- These attacks targeted various Ukrainian cities and regions, including Kyiv and 11 other regions.
- At least 6 people were killed and 24 injured across multiple oblasts over the past 24 hours (as of morning reports). Earlier reports mentioned at least 13 deaths, including three children, and 38 injuries across the country.
Ukrainian Counter-Attacks:
- Ukrainian drone attacks reportedly targeted Russian industrial facilities.
- Local authorities in Ivanovo Oblast reported intercepting a drone attack in Kineshma, with wreckage falling in an industrial area. The drones reportedly targeted the Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant, which produces components for Russian arms.
- At least 10 explosions were reported in Russia’s Tula Oblast overnight.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed 148 Ukrainian drones between 10 a.m. local time on May 25 and 8 a.m. on May 26, including 13 over the Moscow and Tver regions.
Prisoner Exchange
- Ukraine and Russia completed a three-day exchange of 1,000 prisoners each, reportedly the largest such swap since the war began. Ukraine recovered soldiers from 46 military units that had previously seen no members returned.
International Reactions and Statements:
- Germany: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Western partners are no longer imposing any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine for use against Russian military targets.
- United States (Donald Trump): President Donald Trump publicly condemned Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” following the massive aerial attacks on Ukraine. He also hinted at considering further sanctions against Russia. The Kremlin downplayed Trump’s comments, attributing them to “emotional overstrain.”
- Ukraine (President Zelenskyy): President Zelenskyy urged international leaders to increase pressure on Russia, stating that “the silence of America, the silence of others in the world only” encourages Putin.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told a French newspaper that Ukraine is “ready to talk in any format about measures that will help end this war” and “really want to end it this year.”
Military Movements and Developments:
- Netherlands: The Netherlands confirmed it would send the remainder of its pledged 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine on May 26.
- Donetsk Oblast: Russian troops have reportedly increased the intensity of their offensive in Donetsk Oblast, putting pressure on a Ukrainian pocket around Toretsk.
- Kherson: A Russian drone strike on a civilian car in Kherson’s Korabelnyi district injured a 55-year-old man.
- Ukrainian Intelligence Warnings: Ukraine’s foreign intelligence chief, Oleh Ivashchenko, warned that Russia could attack Europe 2-4 years after the war’s end, and potentially faster if sanctions are lifted. He also stated that Putin’s negotiator Dmitriev is pushing for the release of $280 billion in frozen Russian assets.