Russia faced one of its largest aerial attacks of the year as its defence ministry reported intercepting and destroying at least 3,124 Ukrainian drones over the past week. The ministry confirmed that the most intense assaults occurred on 13 May and 17 May, with 572 and 1,054 drones downed respectively, many over European Russia.
At least four people were killed and a dozen injured in the overnight drone strikes. Three fatalities occurred in the Moscow region, while a fourth was reported in the Belgorod region bordering northeastern Ukraine, according to local officials.
Zelensky Defends Strikes as Justified
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attacks on social media, stating that Ukraine's responses to Russia's prolongation of the war and its attacks on Ukrainian cities are entirely justified. In a Telegram post, he said, "Our long-range sanctions have reached the Moscow region," referring to the latest drone barrage. He added, "We are clearly telling the Russians: their state must end its war."
Russia Strikes Odesa and Dnipro
In retaliation, Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with drones and missiles, targeting the southern port city of Odesa and the southeastern city of Dnipro. In Odesa, drones struck residential buildings, a school, and a kindergarten, injuring an 11-year-old boy and a 59-year-old man, according to Serhiy Lysak, head of the local military administration. In Dnipro, three people were injured by missile strikes, regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported on Telegram.
Prisoner Swap and Oil Sanctions
On May 15, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war each, following a prior announcement by US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the Trump administration allowed a sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil to lapse, ending a policy that had permitted countries like India to purchase Russian oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had indicated he would not renew the license, and two Democratic senators urged against its renewal, arguing it provided revenue for Russia's war effort.
Flag Removed in Essex
In a separate development, the Ukrainian flag was removed from outside Essex County Council's offices by the newly elected Reform UK administration, replaced with a second Union flag. Council leader Peter Harris stated that the change does not diminish support for Ukraine, and discussions will be held with the Ukrainian community regarding the flag's new location.
Prison Population Decline
Russia's prison population has dropped by over 180,000 in five years, falling to 282,000, according to prison chief Arkady Gostev. He attributed the decline partly to army recruitment, as convicts are sent to fight in Ukraine in exchange for sentence reductions, though experts note their lack of military training makes them vulnerable.
Both sides deny deliberately targeting civilians, despite ongoing accusations. The conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, with Ukraine's drone campaign and Russia's retaliatory strikes causing casualties and damage across multiple regions.
