Russia launched a large-scale overnight assault on Kyiv and its surrounding region involving hypersonic missiles, cruise and ballistic missiles, and hundreds of drones, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that at least four people were killed and around 100 injured in the attacks, which struck residential areas, schools, markets, government buildings, and cultural landmarks.

The offensive included the use of the hypersonic Oreshnik missile, marking its third deployment during the ongoing conflict. The missile, capable of carrying multiple nuclear or conventional warheads and traveling at speeds up to 13,000 kph, targeted the town of Bila Tserkva, about 90 kilometers south of Kyiv. Ukrainian officials and the Defense Ministry confirmed the missile’s use, with Russian authorities stating the strikes hit military command facilities, air bases, and military-industrial targets. Moscow characterized the operation as retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks on what it described as civilian sites within Russian-controlled territory.

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted and jammed a significant number of incoming drones and missiles—destroying or neutralizing around 549 drones and 55 missiles—although some missiles reached their targets. Vitali Klitschko, mayor of Kyiv, reported that two people died in the capital and dozens were injured, with damage recorded across all districts. The Kyiv regional governor stated that two additional fatalities and several injuries were reported outside the city. Damage extended to various civilian infrastructures including schools, markets, a metro station, and emergency shelters. Among the affected landmarks were the National Art Museum and the National Chernobyl Museum, which sustained substantial damage.

The intense bombardment involved approximately 600 drones and 90 missiles, including Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon types, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The Kremlin denied targeting civilian locations, insisting its strikes were focused on Ukraine’s military infrastructure. Ukraine vehemently rejected Russian claims, maintaining that Moscow’s accusations of Ukrainian strikes on civilian sites are propaganda aimed at justifying retaliatory attacks.

Western leaders condemned the Russian assault and the use of the Oreshnik missile. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the attack as a reckless escalation and reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine. France’s President Emmanuel Macron and the European Union’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas also denounced the bombardment, with Kallas stating that Russia’s latest strikes represent a continued effort to terrorize Ukraine. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, emphasizing the rising level of weapons used against civilian targets.

The attack came days after Moscow condemned a Ukrainian drone strike on a college dormitory in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region that reportedly killed 21 people, an operation Kyiv denies responsibility for, asserting it targeted military facilities. The incident prompted two days of mourning in the area and further escalated tensions.

Residents of Kyiv described the assault as unprecedented in scale and severity. Many spoke of the destruction of homes, workplaces, and local markets. The Ukrainian government reiterated urgent requests for additional Western air defense support, particularly to counter ballistic missile threats, and highlighted efforts to develop domestic defensive capabilities.

The overnight assault is among the most significant since the war began, marking a clear intensification of hostilities and underscoring the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in defending its capital and population amid continued Russian military pressure.