Russias Advance in Eastern Ukraine Slows Amid Continued Bombardment of Kyiv

Ukraine Successfully Intercepts Russian Arms and Fuel Supplies

Russian forces launched over 1,400 drones and 56 missiles into Ukraine on Wednesday and Thursday, with most of the attacks aimed at the capital city of Kyiv. The launches came days after Russia threatened to target Kyiv if Ukraine attacked its Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square on May 9.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had proposed a ceasefire as early as May 5, but Russia did not respond until May 7 and presented its peace proposal as a unilateral initiative. The proposal was accompanied by threats to punish Kyiv if it did not respect its terms.

On May 9, 43 Russian drones and ballistic missiles were launched into Ukraine, followed by another 27 drones on May 10. However, the attacks ceased on May 11, when Russia resumed its campaign with a large-scale drone strike involving 216 drones overnight and during the day on May 12 and May 13.

According to official reports, strikes were recorded in at least 20 locations in Kyiv, including a nine-storey apartment building where 12 people were killed. Ukraine’s military reported shooting down 92 percent of the 1,930 drones launched by Russia, with 41 out of 57 missiles also being downed.

The Institute for the Study of War estimates that Russian forces have advanced an average of 2.63 sq km (1 sq mile) per day in eastern Ukraine since May 2025. However, this rate has slowed significantly over the past two weeks, suggesting a decrease in Russia’s military progress.

In recent days, Ukrainian forces have reported successful drone strikes on Russian logistics and supply lines, including diesel tankers and army trucks located up to 160 km behind the front line. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s broader campaign to target Russian military infrastructure at middle ranges from the front line.

Source: Al Jazeera