Ukraine sees surge in daytime drone attacks

Ukraine’s military has seen a sharp escalation in Russian drone activity on May 1, with the number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) deployed during the day surpassing those used in overnight attacks.

According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russia launched a total of 409 attack drones between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. local time. The strikes involved Iranian-designed “Shahed” drones, as well as other types including “Gerbera” and “Italmas,” with approximately 250 identified as Shahed models, Caliber.Az reports per the army.

Ukrainian air defences—including the Air Force, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, unmanned units, and mobile fire groups—were mobilised to repel the attacks across multiple regions.

Preliminary data indicates that 388 UAVs were shot down or otherwise neutralised over northern, southern, central, and western parts of the country.

Despite the high interception rate, Ukrainian officials reported that 16 strike drones hit six locations, while debris from downed UAVs was recorded at 11 sites.

By Sabina Mammadli