Russia intensifies drone attacks on Ukraine
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The gist
Russia intensified drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and infrastructure.
The war has shifted to attrition, with both sides striking deep and civilians bearing.
Background
The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a phase of attrition, with both sides intensifying long-range strikes. Russia has targeted Ukrainian military, industrial, and civilian infrastructure, while Ukraine has expanded its drone campaign against Russian fuel and logistics sites. Peace negotiations have stalled, and NATO remains alert to hybrid threats.
How it unfolded
- Aug 24, 2026Ukraine hosted European leaders as Russia demanded hardline concessions; Putin warned of escalation against Ukrainian agriculture.
- Aug 26, 2026Bloomberg reported Russia considering intensifying ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv and other cities, citing Kremlin sources.
- Aug 27, 2026Russia launched massive overnight attack with 258 drones and missiles; Ukraine downed nearly 90% of drones.
- Aug 28, 2026Kherson residents urged to flee as attacks risk cutting power; Kyiv spent nearly 15 hours under air raid alert.
- Aug 29, 2026Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Rostov region injured seven and forced evacuations.
- Aug 30, 2026ISW reported Ukraine intensifying strikes on Russian airfields and air defense systems.
- Aug 31, 2026Analysis noted war shifting from pursuit of victory to calculus of exhaustion.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Zelensky said European allies made decisions to strengthen Ukrainian air defense, saving lives daily.
- Kremlin sources
- Moscow sees escalation as one of few remaining ways to pursue military aims; talks collapsed.
- Analysts
- ISW notes Ukraine's long-range strikes aim to degrade Russian capabilities, but air defense remains a vulnerability.
- Public
- Residents in Kherson urged to flee as attacks risk cutting power ahead of winter.
Still unverified
Bloomberg's report on Russia considering intensified missile attacks is based on anonymous Kremlin sources; not confirmed by official statements.