Russia Unleashes Hypersonic Missile in Massive Kyiv Bombardment

CNBC reported Sunday that Russia launched one of the most devastating overnight attacks on Ukraine’s capital since the war began. The barrage involved hundreds of drones and missiles, including deployment of the Oreshnik missile near Kyiv.

Casualties and Damage Across the Capital

Ukrainian authorities said four people were killed and more than 80 wounded across the affected areas. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described an overnight scene of fires and structural collapse. At least two fatalities and dozens of injuries were recorded in the capital itself. Two more people died in the wider Kyiv region. Eleven others were wounded in Cherkasy after a drone struck an apartment building. Dozens of residential properties and several schools sustained damage.

Also Read: Ukraine War Timeline: Key Events Since the 2022 Invasion

What Is the Oreshnik Missile

The Oreshnik is a long-range ballistic weapon capable of reaching targets several thousand kilometres away. Critically, it can be configured to carry a nuclear warhead. Sunday’s strike marked only the third time Russia has used the weapon during the four-year conflict. The first two deployments targeted other major Ukrainian cities. This time, the missile struck Bila Tserkva, a city of roughly 200,000 people located about 64 kilometres from central Kyiv. Russia’s defence ministry stated the overall strike package also included Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles.

Also Read: What We Know About Russia’s Oreshnik Ballistic Missile

Background: Four Years of Aerial Bombardment

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, aerial assaults on Kyiv have become a recurring feature of the conflict. Sunday’s attack is considered among the heaviest the capital has endured. Explosions began just after 1 a.m. local time. Many residents sheltered in metro stations throughout the night. Windows shattered at the Foreign Ministry building and damage was reported near Independence Square. By dawn, black smoke hung over multiple city districts as firefighters tackled burning buildings.

Zelenskyy Calls for International Consequences

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded a firm response from Western allies. He said the attack also deliberately targeted water infrastructure ahead of the summer months, when demand typically rises. Russia denied striking civilian sites, claiming the operation focused on military command centres, air bases and defence industry facilities. Zelenskyy rejected that framing and called on the United States, Europe and other partners to impose meaningful consequences on Moscow.

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