Ukraine Warns of Increased Russian Drone Attacks Targeting Daylight Hours
Escalation of Russian Drone Strikes and Ukraine's Response
Ukrainian President's Warning
May 13 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned of possible waves of Russian drone attacks throughout Wednesday, saying that more than a hundred drones were in Ukraine's airspace, as Moscow has shifted tactics to strike increasingly during daylight hours.
"Russia continues its strikes and is doing so brazenly – deliberately targeting our railway infrastructure and civilian sites in our cities," Zelenskiy said in a post on X.
Changing Patterns of Russian Attacks
Shift from Night to Daytime Strikes
Since the beginning of the war more than four years ago, Russia has mainly carried out major drone and missile strikes at night. In recent weeks, however, it has repeatedly sent hundreds of drones and missiles during the daytime.
Record-Setting Attacks
It set a record for the number of weapons used in one such strike on March 24. Attacks during the day are more disruptive of civilian life.
Ukrainian Resilience and International Support
Calls for Resilience
"It is important to repel every attack with resilience. It is important to support Ukraine and not remain silent about Russia's war," Zelenskiy added.
Recent Drone Attack Statistics
Scale of Recent Attacks
Ukraine's air force reported that Russia attacked the country with 139 drones since 6 p.m. (1500 GMT) on Tuesday, of which 111 were downed or neutralised.
Russian and Ukrainian Strategies
Moscow's Justification for Strikes
Moscow denies intentionally targeting civilians but has killed thousands of them during the war, and says strikes on civil infrastructure are legitimate if they degrade Ukraine's warfighting capabilities.
Kyiv's Counterattacks
Kyiv has lately intensified long-range attacks on Russia's energy industry, though on a smaller scale.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Anna PruchnickaEditing by Peter Graff)
