Russia launches massive missile and drone assault on Kyiv, killing four and injuring over 80 in overnight attack
Russia executed a significant aerial assault on Kyiv, launching 90 missiles and 600 drones, resulting in four fatalities and over 80 injuries.Explosions resonated throughout the city for more than five hours, impacting residential areas, schools, and commercial centres.
Russia used the Oreshnik missile for only the third time, targeting Bila Tserkva, located about 50 miles south of Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the missile’s deployment via Telegram, indicating it was launched from Russia’s Kapustin Yar test site.
The Oreshnik can carry six warheads and can travel at speeds exceeding 12,300 km/h.
In Kyiv, two deaths and 69 injuries were reported, with 36 people hospitalised, while two additional fatalities occurred in the wider Kyiv region.
The strikes also impacted civilians in Kharkiv, Cherkasy, and Dnipropetrovsk.
Russia launched one of the largest air attacks of this war on Kyiv this morning.
More than 50 missiles and 700 drones were launched at the city.
This video shows a cruise missile hitting central Kyiv pic.twitter.com/D40DH3pWYE
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) May 24, 2026
Missile strikes escalate
Russia characterised its attack as a retaliation against a Ukrainian strike in Starobilsk that killed 21 people.
Ukraine denied it targeted civilians, stating its aim was a Russian drone unit.
Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 55 missiles and 549 drones, though 16 missiles and 51 drones struck multiple locations.
Zelenskyy condemned the assault, with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister asserting it demonstrated Putin’s weakness.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the missile strikes, calling the Oreshnik’s use indicative of a stalemate in Russia’s efforts.
Macron also cautioned Belarus against aiding Moscow.
Further assessments indicated a potential threat to Kyiv from repositioned missile systems in Kursk Oblast.
Zelenskyy has urged citizens to remain vigilant in light of these developments.
