January saw the highest monthly use of guided aerial bombs by russian aviation since the start of the war

January 2026 recorded the highest number of guided aerial bombs (GABs) dropped by russian aviation on Defence Forces of Ukraine positions and frontline settlements, exceeding 5,700. The previous peak was recorded in October 2025, when the enemy used over 5,300 guided aerial bombs.

On 18 January, russian forces dropped 316 guided aerial bombs—the highest single-day total recorded since the start of the war. 

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, more than 5,300 combat engagements were recorded during the month (over 5,500 in December 2025). The most intense day of the month on the frontline was 31 January, with 338 combat engagements.   

Overall, during the first month of the year, russian forces carried out over 113,000 shelling attacks, including more than 2,400 launched from multiple launch rocket systems.