Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Kyiv, using the powerful hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for the third time since the war began four years ago. The strikes killed at least two people and injured more than 80 others.
Ukrainian authorities reported widespread damage across the capital, including residential buildings, schools, markets, police facilities, and areas near government offices. Around 50 locations across Kyiv were affected, with fires and collapsed buildings complicating rescue operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Oreshnik missile struck the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region, although the intended target was not immediately known.
Russia’s Defence Ministry later confirmed the use of the Oreshnik missile, stating that the operation targeted Ukrainian military command centres, air bases, and defence industry facilities.
Moscow said the attack was carried out in response to alleged Ukrainian strikes on civilian sites inside Russia, while also insisting that no civilian infrastructure was targeted.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched around 600 attack drones and 90 missiles from air, sea, and ground platforms. Ukrainian air defences reportedly intercepted or disrupted most of them, although several ballistic missiles reached their targets.
The attack highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing shortage of advanced air defence systems, especially Patriot interceptors used to counter ballistic missiles.
European leaders, including France and Germany, strongly condemned Russia’s use of the Oreshnik missile. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Moscow of deliberately targeting cities and terrorising civilians.
Residents described the assault as one of the most devastating attacks since the war began. Some said they were now considering leaving Kyiv after seeing homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods destroyed.