In a significant escalation of the conflict, Russia unleashed a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding regions, deploying its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for the third time in the ongoing Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials reported that the assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left approximately 100 others injured. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted that the strikes specifically targeted the capital, Kyiv, and the nearby city of Bila Tserkva, causing extensive damage to residential areas, schools, a water facility, government offices, and a major market, while igniting fires in various districts.
The overnight assault involved nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including numerous ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian reports. Although many were intercepted, several missiles penetrated defenses and struck central Kyiv, leading to widespread destruction. Russia confirmed the deployment of the advanced Oreshnik missile and other sophisticated missile systems, asserting that the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks within Russian-controlled areas.
Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, noted that damage was widespread, affecting every district in the capital. Emergency response teams worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped in shelters and to extinguish fires sparked by the explosions. The assault also inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building, which Ukrainian authorities condemned as intentional attacks on civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage.
European leaders responded with strong condemnation of the Russian offensive. French President Emmanuel Macron described the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz labeled the act as reckless. The European Union accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians. The Oreshnik missile, which Russia first deployed in late 2024, is known for its capability to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and reportedly travels at hypersonic speeds, making it challenging to intercept, although some Western analysts have questioned these claims.
This aggressive move from Russia followed shortly after President Vladimir Putin’s warning of retaliation for purported Ukrainian drone strikes in territory controlled by Russia. As tensions intensify, the latest attack underscores the growing complexity and peril of the conflict, with civilian areas increasingly caught in the crossfire.