City at Russia’s border, administrative centre of Belgorod Oblast
Since late April 2026, Russia and Ukraine have been exchanging sustained drone and missile attacks that have killed civilians, damaged ports, hospitals and housing, and struck energy infrastructure on both sides. Overnight into 5 May, strikes have hit Ukrainian energy facilities and cities and Ukrainian forces have struck major Russian oil and industrial sites.
Drones and missiles have struck targets across Russia and Ukraine, including oil depots and infrastructure. Russia reports casualties in Belgorod and Bryansk; Ukraine says it is retaliating and expanding long‑range strikes to disrupt Moscow’s war effort.
Ukraine has escalated long-range strikes against Crimea, aiming to isolate the peninsula and disrupt energy and transport links. Russia is restricting fuel sales and cancelling public events, while Ukraine targets oil depots, transport corridors and power infrastructure ahead of the holiday season.
Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, with drones hitting St. Petersburg’s oil terminal and nearby port facilities. Officials report no casualties, while Kyiv says the action targets revenue for Moscow’s war. Putin labels energy strikes as not critical.
Over the past days, Ukrainian and Russian forces have exchanged drone and missile strikes. Belgorod reports casualties and infrastructure damage while Ukraine says it targeted strategic facilities in Russia. The conflict is escalating with reports of civilian casualties on both sides.
Gazprom mobilizes volunteer guards for its gas infrastructure, paying 200,000 rubles monthly plus meals and benefits as drone strikes increase. The plan envisions three-year contracts for regional mobilization, with training and safe civilian tasks, while other regions consider similar measures. Ukraine seeks higher pay and longer contracts for foreign volunteers to strengthen front lines amid ongoing drone warfare.
Since mid-July, Russia and Ukraine have traded deeper strikes: ballistic missiles and drones have hit cities around Kyiv and Sloviansk while Ukraine has struck deep into Russian territory, hitting oil depots, logistics hubs and Wildberries warehouses. A Russian strike on a grain ship leaving Odesa has killed foreign crew and prompted India to summon Russia’s envoy.