KYIV, Ukraine — On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia launched a severe assault on Kyiv using the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile. This attack resulted in at least two deaths and marked the third use of this advanced weapon in the ongoing conflict. The assault caused significant damage across the city, affecting government offices, residential buildings, and schools.
The Oreshnik missile, which can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads, targeted the city of Bila Tserkva. Although the exact target remains unclear, it underscores the growing intensity of the conflict. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the use of the Oreshnik and other missiles, claiming they struck military facilities and damaged strategic locations. Their rationale for these strikes includes retaliatory actions against what they described as Ukrainian attacks on civilian facilities in Russia.
Adding further tension, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned a previous Ukrainian strike on a college dormitory in eastern Ukraine, leading to calls for severe retaliation. The death toll from that incident rose to 21, exacerbating the already high casualties in the ongoing war.
During a recent emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Melnyk dismissed accusations of war crimes leveled by Russia, calling them “pure propaganda.” He claimed that Ukrainian operations target the Russian military, not civilians.
Recent statistics show a troubling trend: numerous reports indicate that over the course of this conflict, Russia has frequently targeted civilian areas and infrastructure, which the Kremlin continues to deny. The Oreshnik missile is particularly concerning; it was first introduced in the war in November 2024 and has since been used to devastating effect in various Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine’s Air Force stated that this latest round of attacks involved around 600 drones and nearly 90 missiles. They successfully intercepted over 550 drones and 55 missiles, showcasing their defensive capabilities against such attacks.
Putin describes the Oreshnik missile’s power, claiming it travels at Mach 10 and can penetrate deep bunkers, making it unmatched by current missile defense systems. Kyiv residents are feeling the impact of these strikes directly, with many expressing fear and sadness about the destruction around them.
As air raid sirens echoed through Kyiv, anxiety grew. Local resident Svitlana Onofryichuk reflected on how the recent assault has changed her life, saying, “I am very sorry to say goodbye to Kyiv. I’m not staying here anymore.” Another resident, Yevhen Zosin, recounted the terrifying moment of an explosion that left his apartment in ruins.
The conflict remains devastating, affecting not only the physical landscape but also the psyche of its people. As the war continues, both Ukraine and Western allies keep a close eye on Russia’s capabilities, hoping for a swift end to the violence. For further in-depth insights, you can refer to reports from organizations like the International Crisis Group, which evaluate the ongoing situation in real-time.
