Russia’s Escalation with Hypersonic Missile in Kyiv Attack

Russia deployed its powerful Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile in a large-scale drone and missile assault on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and marked the weapon’s third deployment in the ongoing war. The assault caused extensive damage to buildings in Kyiv, affecting areas near government offices, residential buildings, schools, and a market. Ukrainian authorities reported 83 people injured.

Throughout the night, air raid sirens echoed in Kyiv as smoke from the attacks filled the sky. Associated Press journalists reported hearing loud explosions in the city center and close to government buildings. Details from Ukraine’s Air Force revealed that the attack involved 600 strike drones and 90 missiles, launched from air, sea, and ground. Ukrainian defenses successfully neutralized 549 drones and 55 missiles, although 19 missiles missed their targets.

“The Oreshnik, capable of nuclear or conventional payloads, impacted the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region,” Zelenskyy indicated on Telegram.

Albania’s Foreign Minister, Ferit Hoxha, stated that the Albanian ambassador’s residence in Ukraine was struck, with Hoxha condemning the act as “unacceptable” and calling it a “grave escalation.” Following prior announcements, Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged using the Oreshnik and other missiles in response to Ukrainian strikes on “civilian facilities” in Russia. President Putin denounced a drone attack on a college dormitory in Russian-occupied Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russian sources reported a death toll increase to 21 from Ukraine’s recent attacks. The Luhansk region’s authorities announced two days of mourning. At the UN Security Council emergency meeting, Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Melnyk refuted Russian accusations, describing them as “propaganda.” European leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, joined in condemning the attacks and the Oreshnik’s use.

Zelenskyy admitted that some ballistic missiles bypassed defenses, mainly targeting Kyiv. The incident highlighted Ukraine’s shortage of air defense missiles, like the U.S. Patriot systems they rely on but require more supplies. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry is prioritizing developing domestic alternatives, though resource-intensive.

The assault left fires raging into the morning in Kyiv, complicating rescue operations. Ukraine’s emergency services recorded damage in 50 locations throughout the city, affecting homes, schools, and police buildings. Svitlana Onofryichuk, a local resident, lamented the destruction, stating, “Everything is gone.” Another resident, Yevhen Zosin, described surviving explosions that destroyed his apartment.

In the Shevchenko district, a residential building fire resulted in at least one fatality. Damage extended to community supermarkets and warehouses. The Kyiv region saw widespread damage according to Mykola Kalashnyk of the regional administration. Elsewhere, a Ukrainian drone attack resulted in a civilian casualty in Russia’s Belgorod region. Moscow’s Defense Ministry reported neutralizing 33 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions, including Crimea.