In a significant escalation of the conflict, Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone barrage on Kyiv and its surrounding regions, employing its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for the third time in the ongoing war with Ukraine. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left around 100 others injured, as reported by Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the assault targeted the capital city as well as Bila Tserkva in the nearby region, causing substantial damage to residential buildings, schools, a water facility, government offices, and a large market, with fires igniting in several districts.
The overnight offensive saw Russia deploying nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including dozens of ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian sources. Although many were intercepted, multiple projectiles managed to strike central Kyiv, leading to widespread destruction. Russia acknowledged the use of the Oreshnik missile alongside other advanced missile systems, claiming the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks on Russian-controlled territory. Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage across every district of the capital, with emergency crews engaged in rescuing trapped individuals and extinguishing fires caused by the explosions.
The strikes also inflicted damage on cultural landmarks, including Ukraine’s National Art Museum and parts of the foreign ministry building. Ukrainian authorities have characterized these attacks as deliberate assaults on civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. The international community, particularly European leaders, has strongly condemned Russia’s actions. French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the act as reckless. Officials from the European Union accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians.
The Oreshnik missile, which Russia first deployed in late 2024, is known for its capability to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads while traveling at hypersonic speeds. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the missile is nearly impossible to intercept, although these assertions have been met with skepticism by Western analysts. This latest attack follows a warning from Putin about potential retaliation in response to alleged Ukrainian drone strikes within Russian-controlled areas.