Kyiv witnessed one of the most intense Russian assaults in recent weeks overnight, as waves of drones and missiles struck the city hours after Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation for attacks in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said the hours-long bombardment killed four people and caused widespread destruction across the capital.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia used the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile in the attack, a weapon capable of travelling at ten times the speed of sound and designed to strike deeply buried targets. He condemned the strike, saying it hit civilians and infrastructure including markets, schools and water facilities.
Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed the use of the Oreshnik alongside other missile systems, claiming it targeted military command centres, air bases and defence facilities in response to Ukrainian strikes, though it did not specify locations.
The Oreshnik missile is an intermediate-range ballistic missile reportedly capable of striking targets across a wide range of Europe. Russian officials say it has a reach of around 3,000 to 5,500 kilometres (1,860–3,400 miles), putting much of the continent within its potential range.
Key details:
Range: 3,000–5,500 km (can reach targets across Europe)
Speed: Up to Mach 10 (about 2.5–3 km per second)
Defence claims: Russia says it is “impossible” to intercept with modern air defence systems
Capabilities: Can travel at hypersonic speeds, but experts note it is not as manoeuvrable as typical hypersonic glide vehicles
Design features: Reportedly reaches extremely high temperatures during flight, with Putin claiming it can approach the temperature of the sun’s surface
Military classification: Intermediate-range ballistic missile, described by Russia as capable of striking strategic targets across Europe
Russia reportedly used the Oreshnik, a rare nuclear-capable ballistic missile it claims cannot be intercepted. Ukrainian forces said the intermediate-range weapon struck Bila Tserkva near Kyiv, marking one of its few known deployments.
A video circulating online shows a cruise missile striking central Kyiv, with a bright flash and explosion on impact. Ukrainian officials said around 600 drones and 90 missiles were launched, many of which were intercepted, according to AFP.
A business centre and nearby market near the Lukianivska metro station were destroyed, along with other civilian sites including homes, schools and shops. Four people were killed and dozens injured, as residents took shelter in metro stations during overnight strikes across the city.