Russia used hypersonic missiles in an overnight attack on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which has so far resulted in four deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Foreign news agencies reported that Russia launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv overnight into Sunday, 24 May 2026, using various weapons including drones, missiles, and hypersonic missiles. The assault caused at least four fatalities and over 100 injuries across different areas.
The hypersonic missile involved is the “Oreshnik” rocket, classified by the U.S. as a medium-range missile. It can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. Its speed and flight path make it nearly impossible for Ukraine’s air defense systems to intercept. This marks only the third time Russia has deployed this missile model.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the missile fell near Bila Tserkva, a city in central Ukraine. He added, “They are truly out of their minds. It is very important that Russia does not go unpunished for this action.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that the missile fired contained a dummy warhead.
“Reports indicate Moscow used the Oreshnik medium-range glide missile system, designed to carry nuclear warheads. This is a strategy of political intimidation and a reckless nuclear threat policy,” said Kaja Kallas, head of foreign policy for the European Union, in a post on the X platform.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia’s overnight attack, stating in a post on X that the use of the Oreshnik missile represents an "escalation of violence" in Russia’s "aggressive war."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Russia’s use of the Oreshnik an "reckless escalation of violence" and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to "stand firmly alongside Ukraine."
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that overall, Russia launched 600 drones and fired 90 missiles at Ukraine overnight. Air defense systems intercepted and shot down 604 of these weapons. Sybiha described this as "one of the largest attacks" ever on Ukraine’s capital.
“Unfortunately, not all the glide missiles were intercepted. Kyiv was the hardest hit, and it was the primary target of Russia's attack,” Zelensky said.
This latest wave of Russian attacks follows Vladimir Putin’s accusation that Ukraine attacked a student dormitory in the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, which Russia controls, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries.
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Source:cnn