A significant missile and drone attack by Russia targeted Kyiv and its nearby areas, marking the third deployment of its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. The assault resulted in at least four fatalities and approximately 100 injuries, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy identified Kyiv and Bila Tserkva as the primary targets of the attack. The offensive led to damage in residential zones, academic institutions, a water facility, government offices, and a large marketplace, with fires erupting in multiple districts.
According to Ukraine, the overnight assault involved nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including numerous ballistic ones. Despite efforts to intercept them, several missiles struck central Kyiv, causing extensive destruction. Russia acknowledged the use of the Oreshnik missile along with other sophisticated missile systems, stating the strikes aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure were in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks in Russian-controlled territories. Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported widespread damage throughout every district of the capital, with emergency teams working to rescue those trapped in shelters and extinguish fires from the explosions.
The assault also inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building, which Ukrainian officials labeled as a targeted attack on civilian infrastructure and cultural sites. The international community, particularly European leaders, sharply criticized the assault. French President Emmanuel Macron described the deployment of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz termed it reckless. European Union officials accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians.
The Oreshnik missile, introduced by Russia in late 2024, can deliver nuclear or conventional warheads and is reported to travel at hypersonic speeds. Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted the missile’s near-indestructibility, though Western analysts have raised doubts about some of these claims. This latest attack follows closely on the heels of Putin’s warnings of retaliation in response to alleged Ukrainian drone strikes in areas under Russian control.