In a significant escalation of the conflict, Russia unleashed a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas, employing its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for the third time in the ongoing war with Ukraine. The onslaught left at least four people dead and injured around 100 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes targeted both the capital and the nearby city of Bila Tserkva, causing extensive damage to residential areas, schools, government buildings, a water facility, and a major market, igniting fires across numerous districts.
Ukrainian authorities reported that the overnight barrage involved nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including dozens of ballistic missiles. While many were intercepted, several managed to hit central Kyiv, resulting in significant destruction. Russia confirmed the use of the Oreshnik missile along with other advanced missile systems, claiming the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure as a response to what Moscow alleged were Ukrainian attacks inside Russian-controlled territories.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that every district in the capital had sustained damage. Emergency teams were deployed to rescue individuals trapped in shelters and to extinguish fires from the explosions. The attacks did not spare cultural sites, with Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building among the damaged locations. Ukrainian officials condemned the strikes as intentional attacks on civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage.
European leaders quickly denounced the assault, with French President Emmanuel Macron describing the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling it reckless. European Union officials accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians. The Oreshnik missile, which Russia first employed in late 2024, is known for its capability to carry nuclear or conventional warheads and reportedly travels at hypersonic speeds, making it challenging to intercept, though western analysts have expressed skepticism about some of these claims.
This latest attack came on the heels of a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had threatened retaliation following what he described as Ukrainian drone strikes in areas controlled by Russia.