In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia unleashed a large-scale missile and drone barrage on Kyiv and its surrounding areas, marking the third use of its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in the war against Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, the assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left approximately 100 others injured.
The attack, which targeted the capital city Kyiv and Bila Tserkva in the nearby region, caused extensive damage to residential areas, schools, a water facility, government offices, and a prominent market, igniting fires across multiple districts, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the overnight assault, Ukraine reported the launch of nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles by Russia, including numerous ballistic missiles. While many were intercepted, several managed to hit central Kyiv, leading to widespread destruction.
Russian authorities acknowledged the deployment of the Oreshnik missile alongside other advanced missile systems, asserting that the strikes aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure were in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks on Russian-controlled territory. The Oreshnik missile, first introduced by Russia in late 2024, is reputed to travel at hypersonic speeds and can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin claims the missile is nearly impossible to intercept, some Western analysts have expressed skepticism about these claims.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage across every district of the capital, with emergency crews working to rescue individuals trapped in shelters and extinguish fires caused by the explosions. The attacks also inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building. Ukrainian officials have characterized the strikes as intentional assaults on civilian infrastructure and cultural sites.
European leaders have expressed strong condemnation of the assault. French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it reckless. European Union officials have accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians. The latest attack follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning of retaliation after purported Ukrainian drone strikes in Russian-controlled areas.