In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and its surrounding regions, deploying its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for just the third time in the conflict with Ukraine. Ukrainian officials report that the assault resulted in the deaths of at least four people and injured approximately 100 others.
The strikes, which targeted both Kyiv and the city of Bila Tserkva, caused extensive damage to residential areas, schools, a water facility, government offices, and a major market. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the widespread fires that erupted across several districts as a result of the attack. Reports indicate that Russia fired nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles overnight, including numerous ballistic missiles, some of which managed to evade Ukrainian defense systems and struck central Kyiv, leading to significant destruction.
Russia has confirmed its deployment of the Oreshnik missile alongside 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 Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that every district of the capital experienced damage, with emergency services working to rescue individuals trapped in shelters and extinguish fires caused by the explosions.
The attack also inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building, prompting Ukrainian authorities to accuse Russia of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure and cultural sites. European leaders have condemned the assault, with French President Emmanuel Macron labeling the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz describing the actions as reckless. The European Union has accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians.
First introduced by Russia in late 2024, the Oreshnik missile is capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads and is reportedly capable of traveling at hypersonic speeds. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the missile is nearly impossible to intercept, although some Western analysts have expressed skepticism about these claims. This latest attack follows shortly after Putin’s warning of possible retaliation for alleged Ukrainian drone strikes within Russian-controlled areas.