In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched a vast missile and drone offensive against Kyiv and its surrounding areas, marking the third deployment of its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in the war with Ukraine. According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack resulted in at least four fatalities and injured approximately 100 individuals. The missile barrage targeted the capital city and Bila Tserkva, damaging residential structures, educational institutions, a water facility, government buildings, and a major marketplace, igniting fires across numerous districts.
Ukraine reported that nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles were unleashed during the overnight assault, including numerous ballistic missiles. Although a significant portion was intercepted, several missiles succeeded in hitting central Kyiv, inflicting substantial damage. The Kremlin confirmed the use of the Oreshnik missile as well as other sophisticated missile systems, asserting the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks in territories under Russian control.
Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, noted that every district in the capital experienced some level of damage. Emergency services were engaged in rescuing individuals trapped in shelters and extinguishing the fires that erupted due to the explosions. Additionally, the attack inflicted damage on Ukraine’s National Art Museum and portions of the foreign ministry building, with Ukrainian officials condemning the bombardment as intentional strikes against civilian infrastructure and cultural sites.
The international community responded with strong condemnation, with European leaders particularly vocal. French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the use of the Oreshnik missile as a perilous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz characterized the actions as reckless. European Union representatives accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians. The Oreshnik missile, which Russia first deployed in late 2024, is reputedly capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads and travels at hypersonic speed. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin claims the missile is virtually impossible to intercept, these assertions have faced scrutiny from Western analysts.
This recent attack follows a warning from Putin about potential retaliation in response to purported Ukrainian drone strikes in Russian-controlled areas, further intensifying the already fraught situation in the region.