Russia Bombards Kyiv with Missiles and Drones

Early Sunday, Russia launched a massive attack on Kyiv with missiles and drones, resulting in hours of explosions and fires throughout the city. The strikes damaged key infrastructure, including two entryways to the subway system. This system is a vital refuge for thousands of people during air attacks.

Among the targeted areas was Kyiv’s central Independence Square, also known as Maidan. This location holds symbolic significance in Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously cautioned against Russia’s potential use of the Oreshnik missile. This intermediate-range ballistic missile is designed specifically to carry nuclear warheads.

The Oreshnik had been employed twice before against Ukraine, in 2024 and again in January, but with non-explosive dummy devices. These earlier instances were perceived as intimidation tactics aimed at Ukraine and its Western allies. The Oreshnik’s purpose is largely political, serving as a form of nuclear saber rattling, rather than as a weapon meant to cause physical destruction.

As of early Sunday, it remained uncertain whether Russia had deployed the Oreshnik missile. When launched, this missile releases multiple warheads that travel rapidly on steep trajectories, making them difficult to intercept with American Patriot missile defense systems. Reports from Bila Tserkva, located around 50 miles south of Kyiv, indicated that the typical quick flurry of warheads associated with the Oreshnik had landed there.

An image captured immediately after the attack showed debris scattered across a Kyiv street, evidence of the destructive overnight assault.