A Night of Horror in Kyiv

Zelenskyy: Putin fired a monster missile

The Ukrainian president condemned the attacks as “irresponsible.”(Bild: Krone-Collage/AFP/JOHN THYS, OLEKSII FILIPPOV)

Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv early Sunday morning with a large-scale barrage of missiles and drones. Residential buildings, schools, and infrastructure were hit—several people were killed, and dozens were injured. Particularly alarming: According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia is said to have once again deployed the feared “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile—this time, for the first time, in the immediate vicinity of the capital.

According to authorities, a total of four people were killed. Two victims died directly in Kyiv, and two others in the surrounding region, as regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported. A total of 56 people were injured in the capital, 30 of whom had to be hospitalized.

Deaths and Injuries in Kyiv and the Surrounding Area
The attack struck more than 40 locations in the city. Residential buildings, offices, and schools were damaged. In one neighborhood, the facade of a five-story apartment building collapsed; the historic Independence Square (Maidan) and the entrance area of a subway station were also damaged.

“Terrible night” for the capital
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as a “terrible night” on Telegram. Rescue workers extinguished fires, cleared debris, and searched for people trapped under rubble. After sunrise, black smoke hung over the city, and in many places, a pungent smell of burning hung in the air.

Residents sought shelter in subway stations and bomb shelters. People were temporarily trapped in a school and a shopping center because debris blocked the exits.

Zelenskyy: Oreshnik missile used near Kyiv
Particular attention is being paid to reports regarding the use of the Russian medium-range “Oreshnik” missile. In a video message, Zelenskyy stated that Russia had deployed the missile again—for the first time in the area near the capital, Kyiv. According to him, it was fired at the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region.

According to experts, the weapon, which is also stationed in Belarus, can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. With a speed of up to 12,000 kilometers per hour and a range of up to 5,000 kilometers, it is considered a weapon that could potentially be deployed across Europe.

Third use of the controversial hypersonic weapon
According to Zelenskyy, this marks the third documented use of the “Oreshnik” in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. “This is truly irresponsible,” he said. It is crucial, he added, that the use of this weapon have consequences for Russia.

The Ukrainian Air Force had previously reported a combined attack involving approximately 600 drones, 90 missiles, and cruise missiles. The “Oreschnik” was not initially listed separately in the inventory of ballistic weapons. No confirmation from Moscow was initially available.

Russia remains silent, Poland activates air forces
The Russian Ministry of Defense usually comments on the weapons used and targets struck later in the day. As of this morning, no statement regarding the current attack had been issued.

In light of the massive attacks, neighboring Poland activated its air forces as a precaution. However, no violations of Polish airspace were detected.

Sharp international criticism
International criticism followed immediately. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly condemned the attacks on civilian targets. Russia must end the “illegal war of aggression,” he stated on the platform X. At the same time, he emphasized that Russia would lose the war and that the attacks only prolonged the suffering of the civilian population.