In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has launched a substantial missile and drone attack on Kyiv and its surrounding areas, marking the third use of its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This devastating assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left approximately 100 others injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the strikes were aimed at Kyiv and the nearby city of Bila Tserkva. The barrage caused extensive damage to residential buildings, schools, a water facility, government offices, and a large market, with fires erupting across various districts. Ukrainian sources indicated that Russia deployed nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles in the overnight operation, including multiple ballistic missiles. Although many were intercepted, several managed to hit central areas of Kyiv, leading to significant destruction.
Russia acknowledged the deployment of the Oreshnik missile, along with other advanced missile systems, as part of the offensive. Moscow claimed these attacks were directed at Ukrainian military infrastructure in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian strikes in Russian-controlled territories. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported widespread damage throughout every district in the capital, with emergency services working to rescue individuals trapped in shelters and extinguish fires caused by the explosions.
The offensive also affected cultural and governmental sites, damaging Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building. Ukrainian officials labeled the strikes as intentional attacks on civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage. In response, European leaders voiced strong condemnation, with French President Emmanuel Macron describing the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling it reckless. European Union officials accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilian populations.
The Oreshnik missile, introduced by Russia in late 2024, is known for its capability to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and reportedly travels at hypersonic speeds. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the missile is nearly impossible to intercept, though Western analysts have expressed skepticism about these assertions. The latest attack came shortly after Putin issued warnings of retaliation following alleged Ukrainian drone strikes in areas under Russian control.