In a significant escalation in the Ukraine conflict, Russia has launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and its surrounding areas, deploying its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for the third time. The assault has resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left approximately 100 others injured, as reported by Ukrainian authorities.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, revealed that the strikes were primarily directed at Kyiv and the nearby city of Bila Tserkva. This assault led to substantial damage, affecting residential buildings, educational institutions, a water facility, government offices, and a major market, with fires erupting across multiple districts.
According to Ukraine, nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles were launched by Russia during the nighttime attack, including a significant number of ballistic missiles. Despite many being intercepted, several managed to hit central areas of Kyiv, causing extensive destruction. Russia has acknowledged the use of the Oreshnik missile alongside other advanced systems, asserting that the strikes targeted Ukrainian military infrastructure as a response to alleged Ukrainian attacks within Russian-controlled territories.
Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, highlighted that damage was recorded in every district of the capital. Emergency services were actively involved in rescuing individuals trapped in shelters and extinguishing fires ignited by the explosions. Additionally, the attacks inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building, with Ukrainian officials condemning the strikes as deliberate assaults on civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage.
European leaders have expressed strong condemnation of the attack. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz labeled it reckless. European Union officials have accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians. The Oreshnik missile, introduced by Russia in late 2024, is known for its capability to carry nuclear or conventional warheads and its hypersonic speed. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed the missile is nearly impossible to intercept, some western analysts have raised doubts about these claims. The recent attack follows Putin’s warning of retaliation over purported Ukrainian drone strikes in areas controlled by Russia.