Ukraine’s air defenses neutralized 45 Russian Kh-101 and Kalibr cruise missiles during a massive overnight bombardment, the Ukrainian Air Force announced on May 25, 2025. Two additional Kh-59/Kh-69 missiles were also destroyed, and 266 Shahed drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were either shot down or disabled across the country.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched a total of 69 missiles and 298 drones during the attack, which began late on May 24, 2025, and continued overnight into May 25, 2025.
The barrage included Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, Kh-101 and Kalibr cruise missiles fired from strategic bombers and sea vessels, a Kh-22 missile launched from a Tu-22M3 aircraft, and multiple guided missiles and drones from northern Russian territories.
The latest attack highlights a noticeable tactical shift by Russian forces, who increasingly favor drones over costly cruise missiles, using large numbers of Shahed and decoy drones as a cost-effective method to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. By limiting the deployment of Kh-101 and similar high-value cruise missiles, Russia preserves its fleet of strategic bombers and expensive missile stockpiles, instead leveraging lower-cost, mass-produced UAVs for saturation strikes.
The Ukrainian defense repelled a portion of the strike using a combination of aviation, anti-aircraft missile systems, electronic warfare, and mobile fire groups.
“Most regions of Ukraine were affected by the enemy attack,” the Ukrainian Air Force reported. Airstrikes and downed missiles were recorded in at least 22 locations, with severe damage inflicted on civilian areas.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the human toll of the overnight assault, reporting at least 12 fatalities, including three children from one family in the Zhytomyr region, and around 60 injuries. More than 80 residential buildings were damaged, with firefighters tackling dozens of fires into the morning.
“This was a combined, ruthless attack aimed at civilians,” Minister Klymenko stated. “The enemy has once again shown that his goal is fear and death.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the strikes, calling for intensified international pressure on Russia.
“Each such terrorist Russian strike is a sufficient reason for new sanctions,” Zelensky stated. “Without really strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped. Sanctions will definitely help.”
Zelensky emphasized the ongoing severity of Russia’s aggression, urging global leaders to reinforce measures to halt further violence.
