Russia has used its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile for the third time in Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and the surrounding region in a large-scale assault that killed at least four people and injured around 100, Ukrainian officials said. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the missile was used in the attack on Bila Tserkva, a city in the Kyiv region, and described a heavy assault involving 600 drones and 90 missiles, including 36 ballistic ones.
The attack hit a water supply facility, burned down a market, and damaged dozens of residential buildings and several schools. In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported two deaths and 56 injuries, with damage recorded in every district. A school was set on fire and a business centre attack trapped people in a shelter. The National Art Museum and Ukraine's foreign ministry building were also damaged.
Russia's defence ministry confirmed the use of the Oreshnik, which can carry nuclear or conventional warheads, alongside Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles. It said the strikes targeted Ukrainian military command facilities, airbases and military enterprises, and were retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on civilian sites in Russia. Zelenskyy called the assault a 'deranged' attack and urged consequences for Russia.
Residents described the devastation. Svitlana Onofryichuk, who worked for 22 years at the market that was hit, said she was leaving Kyiv after losing her job and home. Yevhen Zosin, 74, recounted being thrown back by a shockwave while trying to save his dog. Ukraine's culture ministry said the attack was an attempt to intimidate and destroy the nation's identity.
