Kyiv: Ukraine came under one of the biggest aerial attacks since the war began after Russia launched a large-scale overnight assault on Kyiv and nearby regions, firing around 600 drones and 90 missiles, including the feared Oreshnik hypersonic missile.
According to Ukrainian Air Force officials, the attack killed at least four people and injured more than 80 others. Several residential buildings, schools, shops and key infrastructure sites were damaged, while fires broke out across multiple areas of the capital.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the night as “terrifying,” saying explosions continued for hours as emergency crews rushed to extinguish fires and rescue civilians trapped under debris.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia also targeted Bila Tserkva, a city located about 64 kilometres from Kyiv. He accused Moscow of striking water supply infrastructure ahead of summer in an attempt to destabilise civilian life.
Zelenskyy called on the United States and European allies to impose stronger measures against Russia following the latest escalation.
Russia, meanwhile, claimed the strikes were retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks inside Russian territory. Moscow said it targeted Ukrainian military facilities, airbases and defence-related infrastructure using advanced missile systems including Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles.
The Oreshnik hypersonic missile, believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has now reportedly been used for the third time since the war began in February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously claimed the missile travels at nearly 10 times the speed of sound, making it extremely difficult to intercept.
During the attack, frightened residents rushed into metro stations and underground shelters as air raid sirens echoed across Kyiv. Witnesses described hours of nonstop explosions and panic throughout the city.
By morning, thick smoke could be seen rising over several districts, while shattered windows and damaged apartment blocks highlighted the scale of destruction. Emergency teams continued rescue and relief operations for several hours after the strikes ended.
