At least four killed after massive Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv
At least four killed after massive Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv
At least four killed after massive - Russian forces executed a series of nighttime assaults on Kyiv, leaving at least four individuals dead and dozens injured, according to local officials. The attack targeted multiple areas within the city, including government facilities, residential zones, and educational institutions, causing widespread destruction. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, shared updates via Telegram, stating that 56 people were wounded during the strike, with 30 requiring hospitalization. The assault, which began early on Sunday, was described as a coordinated effort involving strike drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons, according to Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the regional ministry administration.
Kalashnyk emphasized the severity of the attack, noting that Kyiv region was once again under threat from a "mass enemy assault" utilizing advanced weaponry. The strikes continued into the morning, with further projectiles anticipated to hit the city. Damage was reported across at least nine districts, including residential buildings, as per Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration. In Shevchenko district, a school that was sheltering people was struck, resulting in structural harm. Supermarkets and warehouses in the capital were also affected, highlighting the extent of the attack’s impact on everyday life.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the use of the Oreshnik missile, a nuclear-capable weapon, in the attack. This marks the first time the Oreshnik has been deployed in Kyiv. The Russian Defence Ministry corroborated the involvement of the missile, underscoring its significance. Zelenskyy had previously issued a warning, citing intelligence that suggested a potential attack using the hypersonic multiple-warhead missile. The Oreshnik was first introduced in November 2024 when it struck Dnipro, and it was subsequently used in January 2025 in the western Lviv region.
"Tonight Kyiv region is once again enduring a mass enemy attack with strike drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles," said Mykola Kalashnyk, the head of the regional ministry administration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the capabilities of the Oreshnik missile in a statement, describing it as a weapon that "streaks at 10 times the speed of sound" and can destroy underground bunkers "three, four or more floors down." He likened the missile’s movement to that of a "meteorite," emphasizing its resilience against missile defense systems. Even with conventional warheads, Putin argued, the missile’s destructive power could rival that of a nuclear strike. The Oreshnik’s precision and speed make it a formidable tool in Moscow’s arsenal.
The attack on Kyiv follows a pattern of daily bombardments by Russia since the full-scale invasion in 2022. These strikes often target civilian infrastructure, leading to numerous casualties. The latest assault adds to the growing list of such incidents, with both Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities experiencing repeated attacks. The focus on residential areas and schools suggests a strategy to disrupt daily life and impose psychological pressure on the population.
Separately, Russia had warned of an "inevitable and severe punishment" for Ukraine in response to an alleged strike on a college dormitory in Starobilsk, a Russian-occupied area in eastern Ukraine. Moscow claimed the attack killed 18 people, but Ukraine denied targeting civilians, asserting that it had hit a Russian Rubicon drone unit stationed in the region. This incident further complicates the conflict, as both sides accuse each other of escalating violence.
Zelenskyy’s confirmation of the Oreshnik’s use in Kyiv raises concerns about the weapon’s role in intensifying the war. The missile’s deployment underscores Russia’s efforts to escalate the conflict and demonstrate its technological superiority. Analysts suggest that such attacks aim to weaken Ukrainian morale while testing the effectiveness of Western support. The Oreshnik’s previous use in Dnipro and Lviv highlights its strategic importance in Russia’s military operations.
Amid these developments, US-led negotiations to end the four-year conflict have faced delays. Washington’s attention has been diverted to its ongoing military engagement in the Middle East, slowing progress on peace talks. This shift in focus has left Ukraine in a precarious position, as it continues to face relentless attacks from Russian forces. The combination of missile strikes, drone assaults, and the threat of nuclear-capable weapons has kept the war in a state of constant flux.
The attack on Kyiv also serves as a reminder of the broader context of the conflict. With Russia increasingly relying on advanced weaponry, the city’s resilience is being tested. Despite the destruction, Kyiv remains a critical hub for government operations and international diplomacy, making it a prime target. The mayor’s statements, along with official reports, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in defending its capital against relentless aggression.
As the assault continues, questions arise about the long-term implications for Kyiv’s infrastructure and civilian population. The city’s ability to withstand such attacks will depend on its preparedness and the support it receives from allies. The use of the Oreshnik missile in Kyiv could signal a new phase in the war, where Russia seeks to level the playing field through superior technology. This development has the potential to reshape the conflict’s trajectory, forcing Ukraine to adapt its defense strategies.