President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the Ukrainian Defense Forces and special services to prepare a response to the massive aerial terror of May 13–14. Over two days, Russian forces launched 1,567 drones and 56 missiles of various types across Ukraine. This aggression resulted in numerous civilian casualties and significant destruction of residential infrastructure.
The President reported this in his official address following a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff.
He emphasized that the international community must increase sanction pressure on Moscow so that the aggressor feels full responsibility for its crimes. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine will provide a fair response to every strike. On Telegram, he noted that the occupiers deliberately accumulated resources to maximize complications for Ukrainian air defenses.
“I have instructed the Ukrainian Defense Forces and special services to propose possible formats for our response to this Russian strike,” Zelenskyy stated.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X that Ukraine is initiating an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. Furthermore, the diplomat called on world leaders for decisive actions in response to the killings of Ukrainians.
“I instructed to immediately convene a meeting of the UN Security Council and use other international platforms to respond to Russia’s killings of Ukrainian civilians and attacks against humanitarian personnel,” the Foreign Minister noted.
Consequences of the massive assault on Ukraine
The Russian army employed a combined strike tactic using kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles. Air defense forces demonstrated high efficiency, intercepting 94% of drones and 73% of missiles. However, protecting against ballistics remains the most difficult challenge for covering cities and infrastructure. Kyiv suffered the greatest destruction, where a Russian missile almost destroyed the entrance of a nine-story building. Currently, 9 deaths are confirmed in the capital, including a 12-year-old girl, while dozens more sustained injuries. Rescuers continue to search for approximately 20 people who are officially missing under the rubble.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Russia attacked Ukraine overnight after launching nearly 800 drones during the day: fatalities reported.
