On the evening of May 18, 2026, the Ukrainian armed forces launched a large-scale deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in northeastern and southeastern directions of Russia. According to the monitoring channels "KUPOL ROSSII" and "Radar Moscow," dozens of UAVs crossed the border and moved deeper into the territory.

Residents of border regions, including the Bryansk, Kursk, and Voronezh regions, are reporting a series of explosions and intense air defense activity. In the Belgorod region, a drone attack alert has been issued in 13 municipal districts, and damage to infrastructure has been recorded. In the Voronezh region, a security alert has been issued in several districts, with drones transiting the Moscow, Tver, and Yaroslavl regions.