[45752] Large-scale Russian air attack on Ukraine: hundreds of UAVs and missiles threatened

A tense night in Ukraine: UAV attack and fear of strategic missiles

During May 1, 2026, Ukraine experienced a large-scale air attack that included the use of dozens to hundreds of UAVs and strategic combat aircraft. According to Times of Ukraine (which takes a distinctly pro-Ukrainian stance), Russia launched about 200 UAVs from four different locations starting in the early morning hours. Monitoring sources reported a "UAV storm" that crossed many regions, including the Kyiv, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, and Cherkasy districts.

Simultaneously with the UAV activity, unusual movement of strategic bombers was identified. Україна Online (which focuses on political and security news) reported that Tu-160 and Tu-95MS aircraft took off from the 'Ukrainka' and 'Olenya' airfields on their way to launch lines. The site warned that if launches were carried out, Ukraine could face "chaos in the sky" with a barrage of up to 20 cruise missiles.

Throughout the day, various monitoring channels such as 🔊⚠️єРадар and Новини: Україна continued to watchfully track the bombers' southern routes. However, toward the afternoon, the channel Київський купол updated that the aircraft made their way to landing without carrying out missile launches, which relieved some of the immediate concerns.

Against this backdrop, PEKHNO reviewed the general combat situation, noting that while the Russians are trying to exert air pressure, their ground advancement attempts are "choking" and encountering significant logistical difficulties, while they are attempting to strike oil infrastructure deep in the Russian rear in response.