Russia Sets Wartime Record: 6,804 Long-Range Weapons in April 2026; 210 Drones Overnight into May 1

Ukraine's Air Force confirmed Russia launched 6,804 long-range drones and missiles in April 2026 — the most intense month of aerial bombardment since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Breakdown: 6,663 Shahed-type and other drones plus 141 missiles, with a nightly average of 222 drones and 4 missiles. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted approximately 88% of drones and 62% of missiles. The largest single April attack came the night of April 15, when Russia launched 703 munitions (659 drones + 44 missiles), killing at least 19 people. The overnight attack into May 1 continued this pattern: Russia launched approximately 210 attack drones (including ~140 Shahed-type loitering munitions), with Ukraine shooting down the majority. Debris from a drone struck a kindergarten in the Zolotonosha district of Cherkasy region. Russian drones also struck four gas stations in Kharkiv and one in Chuhuiv on the morning of May 1, injuring 2 people and destroying 10 cars. ISW data released May 1 showed Russia's Spring-Summer 2026 offensive suffered a net loss of 26 sq miles of Ukrainian territory from March 31 through April 28 — a significant reversal from the average 171 sq miles/month of Russian advances in 2025.