Russian forces carried out a series of large-scale attacks across Ukraine on May 5–6, 2026, using guided aerial bombs, ballistic missiles, and attack drones. The strikes killed 12 people in Zaporizhzhia and four in Dnipro.
Ivan Fedorov reported the casualties in Zaporizhzhia, while Oleksandr Hanzha provided details on the attack in Dnipro.
Details
On May 5, Russian forces struck Zaporizhzhia with guided aerial bombs. The attack killed 12 people and injured 37. Fires broke out across the city, burning vehicles, businesses, and commercial facilities. The strikes also damaged residential buildings, service stations, and other infrastructure. Some of the injured remain in critical condition.
Later that evening, Russian forces attacked Dnipro, reportedly using ballistic weapons. The strike killed four people and injured at least 16, most of whom were hospitalized. A fire broke out at an industrial site.
Russian forces also struck Kramatorsk, dropping three high-explosive aerial bombs on the city center. The attack killed at least six people and injured nine others.
Overnight into May 6, the attacks continued. Russia launched two ballistic missiles, one air-launched missile, and more than 100 drones. Ukrainian air defences destroyed most of the drones, but strikes still hit several locations. The attacks continued despite a declared “ceasefire.”
Shelling also affected the Kharkiv region and Kherson region. Oleksandr Prokudin said the attacks injured 10 people and killed one.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the strikes on Zaporizhzhia “cynical” and said they had no military purpose:
“It is important that Russia is forced to stop this war. Silence without such and other strikes is needed every day, not just for a few hours somewhere for ‘celebrations.’ Lives must be protected, and I am grateful to all our partners who have spoken in support of Ukraine and help us defend lives.”
Context
Intensive combined attacks using missiles, aerial bombs, and drones remain a core Russian tactic in the war against Ukraine. These strikes often target energy and civilian infrastructure, causing significant civilian casualties.
Despite statements about possible “ceasefires,” the attacks continue. This reflects an ongoing strategy of pressure on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight on May 5, 2026. The deadliest impact occurred in the Poltava region, where five people were killed, including two emergency service workers.
