Russia Unleashes Hypersonic and Ballistic Missile Barrage on Ukraine
Russia conducted a massive overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine on May 24, 2026, claiming successful strikes with hypersonic Oreshnik and other ballistic missiles. The assault, reportedly in retaliation for Ukrainian actions, caused widespread damage and casualties in Kyiv and other regions, according to Ukrainian officials.
Key Highlights
- Russia deployed hypersonic Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon missiles.
- Massive overnight attack targeted Kyiv, causing significant damage and casualties.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed Oreshnik missile use and civilian impact.
- Russia claims strikes were successful and retaliatory for Ukrainian attacks.
- Oreshnik missile is described as nuclear-capable and hard to intercept.
- International condemnation followed the extensive barrage.
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Russia launched one of its most extensive overnight aerial assaults on Ukraine, involving a massive barrage of missiles and drones, according to reports from state news agencies and corroborated by numerous international media outlets. Russia officially stated it used four types of advanced missiles – the hypersonic Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon – targeting Ukraine. The Russian Defence Ministry, cited by Interfax, claimed these attacks were entirely successful and aimed at Ukrainian military command facilities, air bases, and enterprises related to the military-industrial complex.
However, Ukrainian officials painted a grim picture of widespread destruction and casualties, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv and its surrounding region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the use of the powerful hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile, noting it struck the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region. He described the assault as 'deranged,' highlighting strikes on a water supply facility, a market that burned down, dozens of damaged residential buildings, and several schools. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported at least two fatalities and dozens wounded in the capital, with damage recorded in every district of the city. Across the country, the death toll reached at least four, with over 80 people injured, according to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
Ukraine's Air Force indicated the combined attack involved approximately 600 strike drones and 90 air, sea, and ground-launched missiles. While Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted and jammed a significant number – 549 drones and 55 missiles – around 19 missiles failed to reach their intended targets. The Oreshnik missile, notably, is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads and is lauded by Russian President Vladimir Putin as being nearly impossible to intercept due to its speed, exceeding 10 times the speed of sound.
The Russian Defense Ministry justified the strikes as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on "civilian facilities on Russian territory." However, Ukraine denied these accusations, stating that its forces only targeted military objectives. The latest attack marks the third time Russia has reportedly used the Oreshnik missile in the ongoing four-year conflict, with previous uses in November 2024 against Dnipro and January 2026 in the Lviv region.
The international community swiftly condemned the large-scale aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron, among other European leaders, denounced the attacks, including the use of the Oreshnik, as an unacceptable escalation and a sign of the war's destructive path. The scale of the attack and the deployment of such advanced weaponry underscore the continued intensity and dangerous escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with significant humanitarian consequences and geopolitical implications. The event prompted warnings from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the U.S. embassy in Kyiv about imminent threats, further emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of missiles did Russia reportedly use in the May 24, 2026 attack on Ukraine?
Russia reportedly used four types of missiles: the hypersonic Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon, alongside a large number of drones.
What was the impact of the Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv?
The attack caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, including residential buildings, a market, schools, a water supply facility, and cultural institutions. Ukrainian officials reported at least four fatalities and over 80 injuries.
Why did Russia claim to launch these attacks?
Russia stated that the strikes were in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets within Russian territory. Ukraine, however, denied targeting civilians and claimed it hit military objectives.
What is the significance of the Oreshnik missile?
The Oreshnik is a powerful hypersonic ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed it is nearly impossible to intercept due to its speed, making its deployment a significant escalation in the conflict.
How did the international community react to the missile attacks?
The large-scale missile attacks, particularly the use of the Oreshnik, were widely condemned by international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who described them as an unacceptable escalation of the conflict.
