Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas on Sunday, using hundreds of drones and missiles, including the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. This assault resulted in four deaths and injured over 80 people, with significant damage to residential buildings and schools. Kyiv’s mayor described the night as terrible, with emergency services working to put out fires and assist the injured.
This was only the third time Russia used the Oreshnik missile in the conflict that began with its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The missile also struck Bila Tserkva, located about 40 miles from Kyiv. Overall, Russia launched 90 missiles and 600 drones during this attack. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy called for international consequences for Russia’s actions and mentioned that water-supply facilities were also targeted, possibly to disrupt supplies ahead of increased summer demand.
Russia claimed the strikes were a response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets, asserting that its missiles aimed at military facilities. The Russian Defense Ministry denied targeting civilians, despite the large number of casualties caused by previous bombardments.
Explosions shook Kyiv just after 1 a.m., prompting residents to seek shelter. Damage reports included shattered windows in the Foreign Ministry and structural damage in several areas of the city. Two casualties and numerous injuries were reported in Kyiv, while additional strikes in the Kyiv region and Cherkasy resulted in further casualties.
As dawn arrived, smoke from ongoing fires hung over Kyiv, with firefighters and rescue workers continuing to work on the aftermath of the strikes. Zelenskiy had warned of an impending attack using the Oreshnik missile, based on intelligence reports. Russian President Putin has claimed this missile is nearly impossible to intercept due to its extreme speed.
With information from Reuters