In a significant escalation of the conflict, Russia has executed a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and its surrounding areas, deploying the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for the third time in the ongoing war. This assault, which resulted in at least four fatalities and approximately 100 injuries, was confirmed by Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the strike targeted Kyiv and the nearby city of Bila Tserkva, leading to extensive damage to residential areas, schools, a water facility, government offices, and a major market, with fires erupting in multiple districts.
During the overnight bombardment, Ukraine noted that Russia launched nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including numerous ballistic missiles. Despite many interceptions, several projectiles managed to hit central Kyiv, causing significant destruction. Russia acknowledged the use of the Oreshnik missile and other advanced missile systems, asserting that the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks on Russian-controlled territories.
Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported widespread damage across all districts of the capital as emergency teams worked to rescue those trapped and extinguish fires from the explosions. The attack also inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building. Ukrainian authorities condemned the strikes as deliberate assaults on civilian infrastructure and cultural sites.
The international community, particularly European leaders, expressed strong condemnation of the Russian assault. French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the use of the Oreshnik missile as a perilous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized it as reckless. European Union representatives accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians. The Oreshnik missile, introduced by Russia in late 2024, can carry nuclear or conventional warheads and is reputed to travel at hypersonic speed. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin claims it is nearly impossible to intercept, Western analysts have questioned these assertions.
This latest attack occurred shortly after President Putin warned of retaliatory measures following alleged Ukrainian drone operations in Russian-held areas, marking an intensification in the ongoing conflict.
