World leaders have condemned Russia after it launched an intense assault on Kyiv using an Oreshnik hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile. The combined attack included 600 strike drones and 90 air, sea, and ground-launched missiles, according to Ukraine's air force. At least four people were killed, and dozens more were injured, authorities said.
International Condemnation
French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas were among those who criticised Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz labelled the bombardment of the Kyiv region and the use of the Oreshnik missile system as a “reckless escalation”. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated: “Moscow's escalating assault on Ukrainian civilians betrays its weakness.”
The attack follows Vladimir Putin's order for his military to prepare retaliatory options for a drone strike on a student dorm in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region, which Kyiv denied responsibility for. Russia has previously used the Oreshnik against Dnipro in November 2024 and the western Lviv region in January.
Damage and Casualties in Kyiv
In Kyiv's Shevchenko district, a five-story residential building was hit, causing a fire and one death, Ukraine's state emergency service reported. A school building was damaged while people sheltered inside, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Damage was recorded at 50 locations across several districts, including residential buildings, shopping centres, and schools. Fires continued into the morning, complicating rescue efforts as buildings collapsed.
Residents described the attack as unprecedented. Svitlana Onofryichuk, 55, who worked for 22 years in a damaged market, said: “It was a terrible night, and there had never been anything like it in the entire war... My job is gone, everything is gone, everything has burned down.” Yevhen Zosin, 74, recounted being thrown back by a shock wave while grabbing his dog; his apartment was destroyed.
Ukrainian and European Responses
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked emergency services and urged partners to bolster air defence: “Concrete steps to bolster air defense are also needed – missile deliveries must not stop for a single day.” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for Europe to play a new role in peace efforts, suggesting an airport ceasefire to allow safe air travel.
Finland's President Alexander Stubb said he is open to representing Europe in peace talks if asked. Denmark also called for increased support for Ukraine.
Broader Context
In Russia's Belgorod region, a massive missile attack damaged energy infrastructure, causing power and water supply interruptions but no casualties, according to Interfax. Ukraine's SBU said it hit an oil pumping station in Russia's Vladimir region, causing a fire over 800 square metres. Meanwhile, GPS signals of an RAF jet carrying Defence Secretary John Healey were jammed near the Russian border, described as “reckless Russian interference”.
