Russia Strikes Kyiv with Oreshnik Missiles in Largest Air Attack on Ukraine
Russia has launched one of its largest air attacks since the invasion began, hitting Ukraine with 90 missiles and 600 attack drones in a single night. The massive assault involved the highly destructive Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas.
Explosions rocked Kyiv throughout the night as waves of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and kamikaze drones struck various locations. The attacks caused major fires in business centres and central markets, damaging dozens of residential buildings and schools.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Kyiv was the main target of Moscow’s latest aggression. “The heaviest attacks were in Kyiv. They hit water supply facilities, burned down markets, and damaged dozens of residential buildings,” he stated in a press release on Sunday (24/5) morning.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reported at least two deaths in the capital, with over 70 injured. Nationwide, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said four people were killed and more than 80 injured due to missile debris and direct hits.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the use of Oreshnik missiles for the third time in the war. Moscow claims the strikes targeted military industrial facilities, army command centres, and Ukrainian intelligence headquarters, denying intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure.
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev stated the attack was retaliation for Ukraine’s previous strike on Starobilsk in Russian-occupied Luhansk, which reportedly killed 21 students in a dormitory. “We must strike with greater force to demoralise the enemy,” Medvedev wrote on social media.
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the attack as “disgusting terrorist acts,” calling the Oreshnik missiles a reckless nuclear-risk political intimidation tactic. The EU is scheduled to meet next week to discuss increased international pressure on Russia.
The attacks occurred amid diplomatic stalemate. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that US-mediated peace negotiations had not yielded productive results, indicating the conflict remains far from resolution amid escalating military tensions.
Rescue teams in Kyiv continue evacuations and firefighting operations in severely damaged areas. (Washington Post/I-2)
Trump stated US nuclear submarines are now closer to Russia. Donald Trump urged Putin to end the war after Russia launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure, breaking winter ceasefire promises.