Russia has intensified its offensive against Ukraine by launching a massive aerial assault targeting the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and surrounding regions. Russian forces reportedly fired around 90 missiles and nearly 600 drones in one of the largest coordinated attacks in recent months. During the strikes, Russia also deployed its powerful “Oreshnik” hypersonic ballistic missile, escalating concerns over the use of advanced strategic weaponry in the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region suffered extensive damage in the attacks. According to Ukrainian authorities, at least two people were killed and 83 others sustained injuries, while multiple residential and commercial buildings were severely damaged. Emergency teams were deployed to affected areas as rescue and relief operations continued amid fears of further strikes.
🇷🇺🇺🇦 Russia hit Ukraine with one of its biggest strikes in years overnight
Around 700 drones and 100 missiles, including Oreshniks, were fired at Kiev alone
The attack comes in response to the Lugansk dormitory strike that killed 21 people between the ages of 17 and 22 https://t.co/mZ3vS7lGhk pic.twitter.com/3HoqGBiwTO
— The Other Side Media (@TheOtherSideRu) May 24, 2026
The “Oreshnik” missile is regarded as one of the most dangerous weapons in Russia’s arsenal due to its hypersonic speed and capability to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. This is reportedly only the third time Russia has used the missile since the war began nearly four years ago. Moscow had earlier launched the weapon against Dnipro in November 2024 and Lviv earlier this year, before deploying it again in the latest wave of attacks.