In response to record-breaking Russian aerial assaults, Ukraine is increasing funding for interceptor drones and ballistic missiles, as announced by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In an evening address on May 26, Zelensky stated that he had instructed an expansion of Ukraine’s drone production and authorised the use of more partner funding to support the initiative.
“I instructed a significant increase in the production of our interceptor drones, and we will be engaging more funding from our partners to support this,” Zelensky said.
He also revealed that specific funds had been allocated to accelerate the country’s ballistic missile programme.
“I also ordered dedicated funding for Ukraine’s ballistic missile program to accelerate missile production,” He added.
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The announcement came after Russia escalated its aerial campaign against Ukrainians.
On May 26, Russian forces launched their third large-scale drone and missile strike in as many nights, leaving at least six people dead and injuring 24 others across the country.
Effect of the Russian May 26 attack on Ukraine
According to Ukrainian officials, the May 26 attack represented the largest drone assault on Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war.
The number of drones deployed surpassed the previous record set just a day earlier on May 25, when 298 drones were used.
Zelensky reported that Russia had launched more than 900 strike drones over three days, along with cruise and ballistic missiles.
He criticised the campaign as lacking military rationale and instead framed it as a calculated political decision by the Russian leadership.
“Over 900 attack drones were launched against the Ukrainians in just three days, along with ballistic and cruise missiles,” he stated.
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“There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice, the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia, the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives,” Zelensky added.
The Istanbul peace talks between Russia and Ukraine
Meanwhile, peace talks were held in Istanbul on May 16, during which the two conflicting countries agreed to a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange.
However, the discussions yielded little progress as Moscow maintained its hardline demands and was represented by lower-ranking officials.
Despite the diplomatic efforts in Turkey, Russian forces continued their barrage.
On May 26, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched nine Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS bombers and a record 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys overnight.
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