U.S. Air Force Reports Third Drone Incident on May 7, Amidst Morning of Alleged Putin Ceasefire
Ukraine battled off wave of Russian drone attacks on May 7, with air defense downing 20 UAVs. Though no drones were visible in the sky by May 8, tactical aviation strikes intensified.
Social media reports from the Air Force Command revealed that between 14:30 and 20:30 on May 7, Russian forces launched an attack with 31 UAVs and unspecified types of drones from Millerovo. A total of 20 attack UAVs, including the Shahed type, were confirmed destroyed across northern and central Ukraine. Six enemy drones were successfully jammed by EW without any evident issues. The Cherkasy region was the only area impacted as a result.
As of 8:00 on May 8, no missile strikes or usage of attack UAVs were documented in Ukraine's airspace. However, overnight, the enemy intensified attacks with tactical aviation using guided bombs on the Sumy region.
Backstory:
On April 28, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had unilaterally declared a "ceasefire" for the anniversary of World War II's victory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky perceived Putin's proposal for a three-day armistice as a theatric performance to cultivate an exit from isolation, and instead, insisted on a 30-day ceasefire, as advocated by the US.
Notes on UAVs and Air Defense:
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen an increase in drone warfare, with both sides targeting key locations. There have been reported UAV attacks on cities such as Kyiv and Zaporizhzhya, causing losses and damage[1][2][3]. The Shahed Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is also engaged in defending Ukrainian airspace.
For detailed reports on the drone attacks between May 7 and May 8, 2023, historical military records or news archives should be consulted.
- Despite the downing of 20 drones on May 7, reports from May 8 confirmed an intensification of tactical aviation strikes in Ukraine's airspace.
- The intensive drone attack on May 7, involving 31 UAVs and unspecified drones from Millerovo, was successfully countered by Ukraine's air defense, with 20 attack UAVs, including the Shahed type, being destroyed.
- The absence of visible drones in the sky on May 8 did not deter Russian forces, as they intensified their attacks with tactical aviation on the Sumy region.
- Sequestered reports from the Air Force Command on May 7 highlighted that six enemy drones were successfully jammed by EW without any evident issues.
- As the international community follows the escalating drone warfare between Ukraine and Russia, the dialogue for a ceasefire, originally proposed by President Putin, remains uncertain, particularly in the context of the ongoing football season in the NFL and Europe, including the sport's most popular game, American Football.
