KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine announced that Russia utilized the powerful hypersonic Oreshnik missile in a coordinated drone and missile attack on Kyiv. This assault resulted in the deaths of at least two people and marked the third use of the Oreshnik during the ongoing conflict.
The attack inflicted damage on various buildings throughout Kyiv, including government offices, schools, and residential areas. Zelenskyy reported that the Oreshnik struck the city of Bila Tserkva, although the specific target was not clear. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed their use of the Oreshnik, claiming they aimed at military facilities without detailing the specific locations.
This offensive was portrayed by Russia as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on civilian sites within Russian territory. President Vladimir Putin had previously condemned a drone strike on a college dormitory in occupied eastern Ukraine, attributing blame to Kyiv. He indicated that there were no military targets nearby.
The death toll from the college strike in Starobilsk has risen to 21, with 42 additional injuries reported. Authorities in the Luhansk region declared two days of mourning to remember those lost.
In a recent U.N. Security Council meeting, Ukraine’s Ambassador Andrii Melnyk rejected accusations of war crimes made by Russia, labeling them “propaganda.” He emphasized that Ukrainian operations strictly targeted military objectives.
Accusations of targeting civilians have been a consistent theme in the conflict, with Ukraine and its partners asserting that Russia often strikes civilian infrastructure. Kyiv denies these claims. The Oreshnik missile was first launched against Dnipro in November 2024. It was also used in January against the Lviv region.
The recent attack involved an astounding combination of 600 strike drones and 90 missiles. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that they successfully destroyed 549 drones and 55 missiles, with a few missiles failing to reach their destinations. Prior to the assault, Zelenskyy had received intelligence suggesting Russia was preparing to deploy the Oreshnik.
The Oreshnik can travel at Mach 10 and is touted by Putin as being able to penetrate any missile defense system, capable of devastating underground targets. According to him, even conventional warheads can cause destruction akin to nuclear weapons.
As the sounds of explosions echoed through Kyiv, many residents felt compelled to reconsider their future in the city. Svitlana Onofryichuk, a market worker for 22 years, expressed her sorrow about leaving. “I can’t stay here anymore,” she said. Meanwhile, Yevhen Zosin, 74, described the harrowing experience of the attack as a shockwave threw him and his dog backward. “My apartment is destroyed,” he lamented.
Damage occurred in 40 locations across the capital, impacting various sectors, including schools and supermarkets. Local authorities reported significant destruction throughout the Kyiv region.
In additional news, a Ukrainian drone attack resulted in civilian casualties in the Russian town of Grayvoron. The incident highlights the growing complexity of the conflict, as fighting spills over borders. Russian officials claimed to have intercepted or jammed 33 Ukrainian drones during the same period.
According to recent data from the Institute for the Study of War, there has been a marked increase in the use of advanced missile technology by Russia, with the Oreshnik representing a phase of escalation in their strategy. Experts note that this could lead to more devastating assaults in the future.
The conflict remains tense, with both sides exchanging accusations and holding firm to their narratives. As the situation evolves, the humanitarian impact continues to grow, making it crucial to monitor these developments closely.
Source link
Vladimir Putin, General news, Kyiv, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Military and defense, Drone surveillance and warfare, Ukraine, Military technology, Russia government, Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine government, Russia Ukraine war, World news
