In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has conducted a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and its surrounding areas, deploying its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for the third time in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have reported that this assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries to around 100 others. The strikes targeted Kyiv and the nearby city of Bila Tserkva, causing extensive damage to residential buildings, schools, a water facility, government offices, and a major market, with fires breaking out across several districts.
During the overnight attack, Ukraine witnessed the launch of nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including numerous ballistic missiles. Despite many being intercepted, several missiles hit central Kyiv, leading to widespread destruction. Russia, acknowledging the use of the advanced Oreshnik missile along with other systems, claimed these strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure and were a response to alleged Ukrainian attacks in Russian-controlled territories. The attack also inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building, which Ukrainian officials have condemned as deliberate strikes on civilian infrastructure and cultural sites.
Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that damage was evident in every district of the city. Emergency services were actively involved in rescuing individuals trapped in shelters and extinguishing fires ignited by the explosions. The international reaction was swift, with European leaders expressing strong condemnation of the Russian assault. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz labeled the attack as reckless. European Union officials accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians.
The Oreshnik missile, first utilized by Russia in late 2024, is noted for its capability to carry either nuclear or conventional warheads and its reported hypersonic speed, which Russian President Vladimir Putin claims makes it nearly impossible to intercept. However, some Western analysts have cast doubt on these claims. This recent attack follows shortly after President Putin issued warnings of retaliation in response to alleged Ukrainian drone strikes in areas under Russian control.