Assessing the Damage from the Attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff to evaluate the aftermath of a large-scale Russian assault on May 13-14, discuss defensive measures against potential follow-up strikes, and coordinate Ukraine’s response. Over those two days, Russian forces deployed 1,567 drones and 56 missiles of various types, with Ukrainian air defense shooting down 94% of the drones and 73% of the missiles. The combined attack on May 13 targeted multiple cities, including Lutsk, Kovel, Kolomyia, Khmelnytskyi, and Ivano-Frankivsk, causing widespread damage.
The bombardment continued into the night of May 14, with Kyiv hit particularly hard. Nearly 20 people remain unaccounted for in the capital. As of the latest reports, seven people have been confirmed dead and 39 wounded in Kyiv. Zelenskyy noted that Russia did not use Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles or Iskander-K missiles in this wave, instead relying heavily on strategic aviation and Iskander-M ballistic weapons.
Threat of Further Strikes and Official Reactions
Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine’s Air Force, warned of a high risk of additional missile attacks. President Zelenskyy stated that the first item on the meeting’s agenda was a detailed briefing from military commanders on the defensive operation conducted during the Russian strikes.
“This is a deliberate terrorist tactic by the Russians, who stockpiled drones and missiles over time and calculated the strike to maximize its scale and create the greatest possible difficulties for our air defense,” he emphasized.
In addition, Zelenskyy, along with top military commanders, the defense minister, and other officials, discussed the current needs of Ukraine’s air defense forces and the need to ramp up supplies of critical equipment, particularly radar systems.
“This is priority number one, and the assessment of Ukrainian diplomacy’s work in May and June will depend, in part, on whether our air defense forces are adequately equipped,” he added.
The president also instructed Ukraine’s Defense Forces and special services to propose possible formats for a response to this Russian attack.
Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing in Kyiv at the site of a destroyed residential building entrance, which was nearly leveled from the first to the ninth floor by the Russian strike. All necessary units from the State Emergency Service, National Police, municipal services, and medical teams have been deployed.
“Search and rescue operations are still underway in Kyiv,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring the importance of a swift response to the attack’s consequences.
This situation highlights the ongoing military escalation and its direct impact on civilian safety. While Ukraine’s high interception rate of aerial threats demonstrates the effectiveness of its air defense systems, the mounting risk of new attacks underscores the urgent need to further bolster the country’s defensive capabilities. International support and the delivery of additional equipment remain critical under these circumstances.
As Ukraine braces for potential further attacks, the situation remains precarious. President Zelenskyy has highlighted the ongoing threat from Russian forces, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance. For a deeper understanding of the current risks, including the recent swarm of over 100 drones, read more about the anticipated new waves of assaults here.