Ukraine Launches Major Drone Strikes on Russia; Russia Responds with Over 3,000 Drones and Missile Attacks
On May 18, 2026, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone strike on Russia, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Russia retaliated with hundreds of drones and missiles, targeting Ukrainian cities and causing casualties. A Russian drone also struck a Chinese cargo ship in the Black Sea.
Where Sources Diverge
Ukraine's drone strikes on Russia are reported by NPR, while France24 notes that Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone attacks, with Russia launching hundreds of drones and nearly two dozen missiles at Ukraine.
Ukraine launched large-scale drone strikes on Russia.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged overnight drone attacks.
The number of drones downed by Russia varies between sources, with Kyiv Independent reporting over 3,000 drones downed in the past week, while Ukrinform reports Ukraine downing 503 drones in a Russian attack.
Russia downed over 3,000 Ukrainian drones in the past week.
Ukraine downed 503 drones in a massive overnight Russian attack.
The number of casualties in Russia varies, with France24 reporting at least four deaths following Ukraine's drone attack on Moscow, while Ukrinform reports no specific casualties in its reports.
At least four died in Russia following Ukraine's biggest overnight drone attack on Moscow in more than a year.
No specific casualties are reported in Ukrinform's coverage.
Sources
Russian drone strike hits enterprise in Chernihiv Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, May 18, 2026: First, Ukraine's drone attacks on Russia may mark a turning point in the war. Next, Venezuela's post-Maduro era is conflicting for locals. Also, there's more drama at the Cannes Film Festival as Canal+ hits back at filmmakers. Finally, Gen Z find new ways of enjoying themselves on a budget.
Russian drone attack in Odesa leaves damaged residential buildings, kindergarten and lyceum Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
Russia launched hundreds of drones and nearly two dozen missiles at Ukraine overnight wounding more than 30 people in the cities of Odesa and Dnipro. A Russian drone also hit a Chinese cargo ship in the Black Sea, a day before Russian President Vladmimir Putin is meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing. At least four died in Russia following Ukraine's biggest overnight drone attack on Moscow in more than a year. FRANCE 24's Emmanuelle Chaze tells us more from Kharkiv.
As peace talks stall, Ukraine launches one of the biggest drone strikes against Russia since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in an attempt to weaken Russia's war machine.
Ukraine downs 503 drones, four Iskander-K missiles in massive overnight Russian attack Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
Russian drone hits public transport stop in Kherson, one person injured Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
Russia downed over 3,000 Ukrainian drones in past week, state media reports The Kyiv Independent
Russian drone attack on Odesa leaves two people injured, homes damaged Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
Russia hits Ukraine's Odesa, Dnipro with drones and missiles overnight, officials say The Straits Times
Russian drones, missiles strike multiple Ukrainian regions, injuring at least 5 The Kyiv Independent