Russia launches an Oreshnik hypersonic missile in a massive attack on Kyiv

Russia on Sunday carried out one of its largest attacks on Kyiv since the start of the war in Ukraine, bombarding the capital and its surroundings with hundreds of drones and missiles, including an Oreshnik hypersonic missile, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The nighttime strikes, which lasted several hours, killed at least four people—two in Kyiv and two in the surrounding area—and injured around 100 others. Several residential buildings, schools, and historical buildings were damaged in the center of the Ukrainian capital.

According to authorities, this is the third known use by Russia of the Oreshnik missile since the start of the conflict. This intermediate-range missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Ukraine's Western allies to respond firmly.

"It is important that this does not go unpunished for Russia," he said on Telegram, urging the United States and Europe to take further action against Moscow.

Strikes were also reported in other parts of the country, including the southern region of Kherson, where two people were reportedly killed.

Several European leaders condemned the offensive and denounced it as an "escalation" of the conflict. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, accused Moscow of pursuing "a dangerous and irresponsible nuclear policy."

Ukrainian authorities also indicated that the National Art Museum and the Kyiv Philharmonic Hall were among the cultural buildings damaged during the bombings.