In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas, marking the third deployment of its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in the war against Ukraine. This assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries to approximately 100 others, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy identified Kyiv and the city of Bila Tserkva as primary targets of the strike, which inflicted damage on residential buildings, schools, a water facility, government offices, and a bustling market, igniting fires throughout multiple districts.
The overnight barrage, according to Ukraine’s reports, involved nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including numerous ballistic missiles. Although many were intercepted, several managed to hit central Kyiv, delivering extensive damage. Russia acknowledged deploying the Oreshnik missile alongside other advanced systems, asserting that the strikes aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure were a retaliatory response to purported Ukrainian attacks within Russian-controlled territories.
Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed that every district in the capital experienced damage. Emergency services were actively engaged in rescuing individuals trapped in shelters and extinguishing the fires triggered by the explosions. The National Art Museum of Ukraine and sections of the foreign ministry building were also affected by the attacks, which Ukrainian officials condemned as intentional assaults on civilian infrastructure and cultural sites.
The international community reacted with strong disapproval. French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the use of the Oreshnik missile as a perilous intensification, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized it as irresponsible. European Union representatives accused Russia of employing terror tactics against civilians. The Oreshnik missile, introduced by Russia in late 2024, is designed to carry either nuclear or conventional warheads and is claimed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to be nearly impossible to intercept—a claim met with skepticism by Western analysts.
This latest offensive followed closely on the heels of a warning from Putin about retaliation for alleged Ukrainian drone strikes in areas under Russian control. The situation underscores the continued volatility and potential for further escalation in the region.