Strana 22
Operator of a Russian Lancet drone attacked a civilian van in Sumy region, killing nine people.
Russia Strikes Civilian Van
Russia started slowly with its attacks
but escalated them to unprecedented levels
by the end of May. On Tuesday, May 13, they
launched one of the smallest attacks since the
war began — only 10 drones, all shot down by
Ukrainian air defenses. Falling debris injured
an elderly man.
Just a few days later, on Saturday, May 17,
Russia committed another atrocity: a Lancet
drone struck a civilian van near Sumy. It was
evacuating people fleeing a Russian attack in
a border area. Nine people died on the spot,
mostly elderly women. Among the dead was
a family of three — father, mother, and
daughter. Seven others were hospitalized with
burns and fractures. All victims were civilians.
The Lancet drone uses optical targeting via
camera — meaning the operator clearly saw
it was a civilian vehicle and deliberately
targeted it.
On Wednesday, May 21, a Russian missile
hit a Ukrainian military training ground in
Sumy region. Ukraine confirmed six soldiers
dead and 10 wounded. Russians claimed 70
soldiers killed, a destroyed ammunition depot,
and 10 pieces of equipment — not supported by
their own footage. Still, this is a major issue for
Ukraine, as such attacks on training grounds
and unnecessary troop losses are too frequent.
It suggests commanders are not adapting
to the evolving drone threat and fail at basic
safety — a systemic flaw.
Subsequent Russian attacks were focused
solely on spreading terror among civilians.
Durin the night of Saturday, May 24, Kyiv faced
one of the biggest air raids since the war began.
Russia launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250
drones. Ukraine shot down six missiles and
128 drones. Another 117 drones crashed due
to jamming or as decoys to overwhelm air
defenses. Residential buildings and a shopping
center were hit. Thirteen people died and over
50 were injured.
The following night, Sunday, May 25, was
even worse. Russia launched 298 drones and
68 cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukraine
downed 45 missiles and 139 kamikaze drones;
another 127 drones crashed. The remaining
ones killed 12 people, including three children,
and injured 70 more. Massive night raids
continued for the third night. On Monday,
May 26, Russia attacked with 355 kamikaze
drones and nine cruise missiles targeting
13 Ukrainian regions. Ukraine downed all the
missiles and 288 drones. Increasing number
of reports suggest that Ukraine is running
out of surface-to-air missiles — possibly one
aim of the escalating attacks. But the main
goal is to pressure Kyiv and its Western allies.
Notably, the first round of direct negotiations
between Russia and Ukraine took place in
Istanbul during this period. Moscow only sent
minor officials who essentially demanded
Ukraine's capitulation. When Ukraine refused,
they threatened further escalation. Clearly,
Russia's goal isn’t peace — it’s buying time to
continue its war of conquest.
Deliveries of F-16s and AASM
Hammer Bombs
On the ground front, Russia launched an
attack on Sumy region. Despite heavy fighting,
they made little progress, and Ukrainian
forces continued raids into neighboring
Russian Kursk region. Ukrainian defenders
are effectively supported by aircraft using
French-guided AASM Hammer bombs, which
UKRAINE
INFO Eduard22
July 2025