In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia unleashed a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding regions, deploying its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for just the third time since the war in Ukraine began. Ukrainian authorities reported that the assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left approximately 100 others injured.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that the attack targeted both the capital city of Kyiv and Bila Tserkva in the surrounding region. The barrage inflicted severe damage on residential buildings, educational institutions, a water facility, government offices, and a major marketplace, with fires igniting in multiple districts. Nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including numerous ballistic missiles, were reportedly launched by Russia during the nighttime offensive. Although many of these projectiles were intercepted, several managed to hit central Kyiv, leading to significant destruction.
Russia has confirmed the use of the Oreshnik missile alongside other advanced missile systems, asserting that the attacks were aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian assaults in Russian-controlled territories. Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that damage was evident across all districts of the capital city, prompting emergency crews to undertake rescue operations to free those trapped in shelters and extinguish fires ignited by the explosions.
The strikes also inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building, with Ukrainian officials condemning the action as a deliberate assault on civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage. The international community responded with strong criticism, with European leaders expressing their condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the use of the Oreshnik missile as a perilous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it reckless. European Union officials accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians.
Russia’s Oreshnik missile, introduced in late 2024, is known for its capability of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads and its hypersonic speed. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed the missile is nearly impossible to intercept, though some Western analysts have cast doubt on these claims. The latest offensive follows Putin’s warnings of retaliation in response to alleged Ukrainian drone strikes in areas under Russian control.