Russia Unleashes Hypersonic Missile in Wide Attack on Kyiv

On Sunday, Russia launched a significant missile and drone assault on Kyiv, deploying the formidable hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile. The attack resulted in at least two fatalities and widespread destruction, marking the third instance of the weapon’s use in the ongoing four-year conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attacks, which inflicted severe damage across Kyiv, affecting government offices, residential areas, schools, and a market, according to Ukrainian officials.

Air raid sirens blared as explosions echoed through the city and smoke filled the sky. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the assault comprised 600 strike drones and 90 missiles launched from air, sea, and land. They successfully intercepted 549 drones and 55 missiles, while 19 missiles failed to hit their targets.

Among the damaged sites was the residence of Albania’s ambassador to Ukraine, leading Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s foreign minister, to condemn the attack as unacceptable. The hypersonic missile struck Bila Tserkva in Kyiv, demonstrating its deadly potential.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the attack aimed to hit Ukrainian military and industrial targets, retaliating against alleged Ukrainian strikes on civilian sites in Russia. President Vladimir Putin ordered these retaliatory strikes after blaming Ukraine for a drone attack on a college dormitory in Russian-occupied territory, which led to 21 deaths and multiple injuries.

At a U.N. Security Council meeting convened at Russia’s request, Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Melnyk rejected the claims of war crimes, branding them propaganda. European leaders, such as France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, denounced Russia’s actions. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced an upcoming meeting of EU diplomats to consider increasing pressure on Russia.

Zelenskyy noted that several ballistic missiles reached Kyiv despite interception efforts, highlighting Ukraine’s lack of air defense capability against such missiles. The U.S. Patriot systems are crucial but limited in number. Efforts to produce domestic alternatives are underway, though they require time and investment.

The attack caused widespread damage in Kyiv. Emergency services reported fires and destruction in over 50 locations, including residential buildings and schools. In Kyiv’s Shevchenko district, a person died when a residential building caught fire. Several public facilities, like supermarkets and warehouses, were also impacted.

Residents described the night as unprecedented in its intensity. One resident, Svitlana Onofryichuk, expressed her devastation at losing her livelihood. Yevhen Zosin, another resident, shared his experience of surviving the blast with his dog while their apartment was destroyed.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone killed a civilian in Grayvoron, Russia, according to local reports. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have neutralized 33 Ukrainian drones over various regions, including Moscow and Crimea.

An earlier version of this report was revised to correct Mykola Kalashnyk’s title.