Russia Launches Drone Attacks on Kharkiv; Ukraine's Air Defenses Down Over 500 Drones
On May 24, 2026, Russian forces launched drone attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine, with hits recorded at two locations. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted and downed a total of 55 missiles and 549 drones during a massive attack. The scale of the assault marked a significant escalation in the ongoing drone warfare.
Where Sources Diverge
Ukrinform reported hits in Kharkiv, while other sources did not specify locations.
Hits recorded at two locations.
Ukraine's response has been to strike energy targets farther inside Russia.
Ukrainian air defenses downed varying numbers of drones across different reports.
Downed 55 missiles and 549 Russian drones.
Downed 246 of 262 drones.
Sources
Ukraine's air defense downs 246 of 262 drones in overnight Russian attack on Ukraine Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
Russians attack Kharkiv with drones, hits recorded at two locations Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
Massive Russian attack: Air defenses down 55 missiles and 549 Russian drones Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
Ukraine Says It’s Under Attack From Major Russian Air Strikes Bloomberg.com
The scale and intensity of drone strikes by Russia on Ukraine continue to escalate. Since spring, Ukraine's response has been to strike energy targets farther inside Russia, with more regularity than at any point since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion.