May 12, 2026
Russia launches over 200 dronesover 200 drones at Ukraine as truce expires
Russia launched more than 200 drones at Ukraine overnight into Tuesday, May 12, 2026, targeting civilian sites in Kyiv and elsewhere after a US-brokered three-day truce expired.
Ukrainian officials reported at least one death and six injuries, including strikes on a kindergarten, while Russia claimed to have downed 27 Ukrainian drones over its border regions.
The attacks signal a return to hostilities in the ongoing war, raising concerns over further escalation and civilian risks.
Ukrainian Perspective
Russia violated the truce by firing over 200 drones at civilian infrastructure right after it expired, killing at least one person and injuring six others in strikes that hit a kindergarten. President Zelenskyy highlighted the scale of the assault on Kyiv and other areas. Ukrainian authorities view this as deliberate aggression against civilians.
Russian Perspective
Russia's air defenses intercepted and destroyed 27 Ukrainian drones over Belgorod, Voronezh, and Rostov regions in the hours after the truce ended. The Defense Ministry reported these actions as defensive measures against Ukrainian incursions. Moscow frames its response as necessary to counter ongoing threats from Ukraine.
- Shahed-136 drones, Russia's primary weapon here, are low-cost Iranian designs modified for long-range strikes on civilian areas.
- Kindergarten strikes echo Russia's pattern of hitting schools, with over 3,600 Ukrainian educational facilities damaged since 2022.
- Belgorod's proximity to Kharkiv Oblast has fueled intense artillery duels across this volatile frontier.
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Violations
Russian forces continue striking Ukrainian regions like Kherson and Mykolaiv, wounding civilians including teenagers despite a US-brokered three-day truce from May 9 to 11 that both sides confirmed.
