Russian Hypersonic Missiles Strike Ukraine
Russia launched hypersonic missiles in an attack on Ukraine, killing four people. Russia had previously threatened a large-scale assault following increased casualties from strikes on universities and dormitories in territories it controls, claiming 18 deaths.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of potential Russian attacks, citing intelligence indicating Russia was preparing to use the Oreshnik missile.
“Our intelligence services have received data, including from American and European partners, about Russia preparing an attack with the Oreshnik missile,” Zelensky said.
The Oreshnik missile is a Russian weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Zelensky stated Ukraine was preparing for the Russian assault.
Zelensky urged citizens to seek shelter, and the US Embassy in Kyiv also issued warnings.
Russian Attack on Ukraine’s Capital
Russia launched a massive missile and drone assault on Kyiv early Sunday, killing four people. Zelensky confirmed Russia had used the advanced hypersonic Oreshnik missile in the attack.
Loud explosions were heard across the capital overnight. Ukrainian air force reported Russia deployed 600 drones and 90 missiles.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported two deaths in the city and 56 injured, while the governor of the Kyiv region stated two more deaths and nine injuries.
Ukrainian air defence intercepted 549 drones and 55 missiles. Zelensky confirmed Russia fired the hypersonic Oreshnik missile during the assault.
The Oreshnik missile is reportedly capable of travelling over ten times the speed of sound, with no current technology able to intercept it.
“Three Russian missiles struck water supply facilities, a burning market, dozens of damaged residential buildings, several schools, and he [Putin] launched his ‘Oreshnik’ at Bila Tserkva [in central Ukraine],” Zelensky said on Telegram.
“They are completely insane,” he added.
Explosions in the capital caused government district buildings to shake, with dozens taking shelter in underground metro stations.
Russian attacks on a school sparked a fire, while strikes on business centres trapped people in shelters. Ukrainian authorities reported 11 injured in the Cherkasy region and seven in Dnipropetrovsk.