Russian forces have escalated their aerial bombardments on Ukraine, using a record 268 guided aerial bombs in a single day, according to the Ukrainian military; this marks a significant increase from the recent average of 170 to 180 such bombs per day. These bombs. Each carrying a payload of up to 1,500 kilograms (3,307 pounds), primarily target Ukrainian forces and infrastructure near the front lines. In the last week. Russia has launched more than 3,270 attack drones, 1,370 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 50 missiles against Ukraine, as reported by President Zelensky.

Intensified Drone Strikes Damage Historic Sites

On March 24, Russian drone strikes damaged the historic Bernardine monastery complex and the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Lviv, Ukraine, just ahead of Holy Week. The strikes, part of the largest single 24-hour attack since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, caused fires in nearby historic apartment buildings and damaged the monastery’s tower. The Church of St. Mary Magdalene also sustained damage, with windows shattered and glass scattered across the floor, according to Vatican News. No fatalities were reported, though six people were killed and 46 injured in the broader attack, as reported by Ukrainian officials to the Associated Press.

Ukrainian Efforts to Counter Drone Threat

Analysts note that Russia has developed new tactics using drones to locate and eliminate Ukrainian forces, transforming what was once a weakness into a strength. “Moscow has built better missiles and created more rugged and capable armored systems. It is giving junior commanders more freedom to plan,” said Dara Massicot, a long-time Russia analyst, in Foreign Affairs. In recent days, Ukrainian forces have struggled to intercept about 20% to 30% of the drones launched against them. The average number of drones launched each night in September was more than 180, more than double the number at the beginning of the year.

Zelensky Announces Preemptive Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a preemptive ceasefire two days ahead of Russia’s declared truce for Victory Day. In a statement posted on X, Zelensky emphasized that no official request for a ceasefire had been received from Russia and stated, “Life is more precious than commemorations.” He declared a ceasefire administration starting at midnight between May 5 and May 6. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Russia for delaying peace efforts, saying, “Peace cannot wait for parades and commemorations.”