Ukrainian Missile Attack on Kyiv
KYIV, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that Russia launched a significant attack on Kyiv using a powerful hypersonic Oleshnik ballistic missile, resulting in at least two fatalities. This marks the third time this specific weapon has been deployed in the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian officials noted that the air strikes caused extensive damage in the capital, targeting various buildings including government offices, homes, schools, and markets. Over 80 individuals sustained injuries during the strikes.
Zelenskiy mentioned in a Telegram update that the Oleshnik missile, capable of delivering nuclear or conventional payloads, targeted Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region, although the purpose of this particular strike remains unclear.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the use of the Oleshnik missile alongside others, stating that the strikes aimed at military command centers, airbases, and facilities involved in military production in Ukraine, though specific target locations were not disclosed.
In a recent statement, President Vladimir Putin expressed outrage over a drone attack that struck a university dormitory in occupied eastern Ukraine, accusing the Ukrainian government and commanding the military to devise a response. He asserted that there were no military installations near the struck area.
Following a drone attack in Starobilsk, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that the death toll had reached 21, with an additional 42 people injured. Luhansk regional authorities have declared two days of mourning to honor the victims.
During an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council convened at Russia’s request, Ukrainian Ambassador Andriy Melnyk rejected accusations of war crimes, dubbing it “pure propaganda” and asserting that the May 22 operation solely targeted the Russian military.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Ukraine and its allies have repeatedly condemned Russia for attacking civilians and vital infrastructure, a claim the Kremlin denies.
The Oleshnik missile was first utilized in November 2024 during a strike in Dnipro, followed by another in January in the Lviv region.
This latest attack involved a large-scale operation with 600 drones and 90 missiles launched from various platforms. Ukrainian air defenses reported intercepting 549 drones and 55 missiles. Reports indicated that around 19 missiles failed to hit their intended targets.
Zelenskiy had previously warned that Russia might deploy the Oleshnik, citing intelligence from the US and Western allies.
Putin has mentioned that the Oleshnik can achieve speeds of up to Mach 10 and has the capability to destroy deep underground structures, making it a formidable weapon.
As air raid sirens echoed throughout the night, residents reported hearing powerful explosions near government buildings. Zelenskiy indicated that many ballistic missiles were not intercepted, and most of the strikes focused on Kyiv.
This attack underscored Ukraine’s ongoing struggle with air defense, particularly its limited stock of missiles designed to intercept ballistic threats. The US Patriot system plays a critical role in their defense, yet interceptor missiles are scarce, marking a pressing demand from Ukraine to its Western partners.
The Ministry of Defense in Ukraine is prioritizing the development of domestic alternatives, though achieving this will require substantial time and resources.
By overwhelming Kyiv with numerous ballistic missiles, Russia may be marking an escalation in its strategy, potentially depleting Ukraine’s resources ahead of intensifying assaults in the summer months.
Reports from Ukraine’s emergency services indicated damage in 50 locations across Kyiv, affecting homes, shops, and schools. One unfortunate incident involved a five-story building that collapsed due to the explosion, complicating rescue efforts.
A resident of Kyiv, Svitlana Onofrichuk, shared her distress, stating, “It was a terrible night. Nothing like it during the war. I can’t believe I have to say goodbye to Kyiv.”
Evhen Zoshin, another resident who witnessed the explosions, recounted his panic and his struggle to save his dog when the blasts occurred, ultimately reflecting on the devastation in his neighborhood.
Additionally, Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed damage to schools and reported that some residents were evacuated. Damage was also noted across several districts in the Kyiv region.
Reports indicated that Ukrainian drones caused civilian casualties in the Russian town of Greyvoron, near the border with Ukraine, while Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones during the night.
