Ukraine intercepts more than 57,000 Russian drones and missiles in May
Ukrainian air defense systems (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine's air defense forces repelled large-scale aerial attacks and destroyed tens of thousands of targets of various types during May 2026, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
It is reported that during May 2026, air defense units of Ukraine's Defense Forces destroyed more than 57,000 aerial targets, including missiles and drones of various types.
Intercepted missiles
During the reporting period, air defense forces shot down several types of missiles used by the Russian military. In particular, the following were destroyed:
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2 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles;
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50 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
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10 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;
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11 Kalibr cruise missiles;
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14 Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missiles;
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24 Iskander-K cruise missiles.
Destroyed drones
The majority of the targets shot down were unmanned aerial vehicles. According to the Air Force, the following were destroyed in May:
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5,053 Shahed attack drones;
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1,316 reconnaissance drones;
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50,894 UAVs of other types.
Thus, the largest share of destroyed targets consisted of drones of various purposes, which were actively used in attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Aviation operations
Air Force aviation carried out 1,089 sorties during the month. More than 700 of them were related to fighter air cover missions, while about 230 involved strike missions and support for ground units.
The military noted that it continues to simultaneously repel enemy air attacks and support Defense Forces operations on the ground, ensuring the protection of Ukraine's skies.
Another attack on railway infrastructure facilities was recorded in the Kharkiv region. Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukraine's state railway operator) reported that a drone struck a locomotive, injuring a railway worker. The victim is receiving the necessary medical assistance.
