Macron Condemns Russia's Oreshnik Missile Attack on Ukraine

AFP reported that Macron condemned the attacks via a statement on X on Sunday (24 May 2026). Macron stated that the assault demonstrated a serious escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. “Russia’s attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine continue… France condemns this strike and the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile,” Macron wrote on X, adding that the assault marks “a dead end for Russia’s aggressive war.” It is known that Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing four people early Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia used the advanced hypersonic Oreshnik missile in the assault. According to AFP on Sunday (24 May 2026), the attack followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat to retaliate against Ukrainian strikes on occupied territories. Loud explosions were heard across the Ukrainian capital during the early hours. Ukrainian air force reported that Russia deployed 600 drones and 90 missiles. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated two people died in the city and 56 were injured, while the regional head of Kyiv reported two more fatalities and nine injuries in surrounding areas. Ukrainian air defence intercepted 549 drones and 55 missiles. Zelensky said Russia fired hypersonic Oreshnik missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads in the attack. “Three Russian missiles struck water supply facilities, a burning market, dozens of damaged residential buildings, and several ordinary schools, while he [Putin] launched the ‘Oreshnik’ towards Bila Tserkva in central Ukraine,” Zelensky said on Telegram. “They are completely insane,” he added. The Oreshnik missile is reported to travel over ten times the speed of sound. Currently, no technology has been reported capable of stopping it. Explosions in the capital caused a residential building near the government district to shake, while dozens sought shelter in underground metro stations in the city centre.