RUSSIAN UKRAINE WAR - 2025.05.26 | Situation Tension

1. Introduction / Background

On May 26, 2025, Ukraine endured the most extensive aerial assault since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. This follows a record drone and missile barrage overnight and a major prisoner exchange between the two countries.

2. Key Highlights

Killed:

Ukrainian officials report 13 civilians killed, including three children (ages 8, 12, and 17) in the Zhytomyr region.

Injured:

At least 60 people injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine.

Homes Destroyed:

While specific numbers were not detailed, residential areas—including multistory buildings in Kyiv—were damaged by drone strikes.

3. Governments’ Response

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and called on world leaders to apply more pressure on Russia.
• He urged the global community not to remain silent, warning that it emboldens Russian aggression.
• He supported the imposition of additional sanctions to halt the war.

4. Military Developments

• Russia launched 298 drones and 69 missiles. Ukraine claims to have intercepted 266 drones and 45 missiles.
• Russia claims control of Romanivka, a village in eastern Donetsk.
• The largest prisoner swap occurred: 1,000 prisoners exchanged by each side over three days.

5. Militants’ Activity

• Russian forces aggressively pushed into eastern territories, continuing their offensive in Donetsk.
• Russian air defences reportedly intercepted 110 Ukrainian drones, including 13 over the Moscow and Tver regions.

6. Impact on Trade and Travel

No direct disruptions to trade or travel were reported in this update, but the aerial strikes on urban centers like Kyiv continue to pose a risk to civil infrastructure and movement.

7. International Response

• US President Donald Trump condemned Putin’s actions, calling him “crazy” and warned of Russia’s potential downfall.
• Trump also mentioned possible increased US sanctions on Russia.
• Germany's Foreign Minister called for additional Western sanctions.
• EU’s top diplomat condemned the attack and highlighted the deaths of children as especially tragic.
• US Special Envoy labeled the attack a violation of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols and urged an immediate ceasefire.

8. Comment

The intensified Russian assault indicates a shift in strategy aimed at overwhelming Ukrainian defences. The attacks on civilians, particularly children, are drawing sharper international criticism. However, the prisoner exchange hints at continued backchannel negotiations. Ukraine’s resilience continues under escalating pressure.

9. Latest News in Two Lines

• 13 civilians killed and 60 injured in Russia’s largest air assault on Ukraine to date.
• Russia and Ukraine complete historic prisoner swap, exchanging 1,000 captives each.