In one of the most intense aerial bombardments since the conflict began, Russia launched a massive wave of missiles and drones against Kyiv and several surrounding regions. The assault, which included the deployment of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, caused widespread destruction across residential areas, schools, and critical infrastructure. Reports indicate that the barrage involved approximately 90 missiles and 600 drones, marking a significant escalation in the intensity of the strikes.

The overnight attack resulted in multiple fatalities and left dozens more injured. In the capital, the damage was extensive, with residential buildings, offices, and even the Foreign Ministry building sustaining hits. Local officials reported that fires broke out in several locations, requiring emergency services to work through the night to clear debris and provide medical assistance to the wounded. Beyond the capital, strikes in the broader Kyiv region and the city of Cherkasy also resulted in casualties and property damage.

Central to the escalation was the use of the Oreshnik, a hypersonic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. This marks only the third time the weapon has been utilized in the current conflict. Due to its extreme velocity, which is reported to exceed ten times the speed of sound, the missile is designed to be nearly impossible to intercept with current defense systems. The strike near Bila Tserkva highlighted the reach and lethality of this advanced weaponry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for immediate international consequences following the strikes, urging the United States and Europe to take decisive action. While Russia maintains that its strikes target military command facilities and industrial sites in retaliation for previous actions, Ukrainian officials emphasize that the attacks have heavily targeted civilian infrastructure, including water-supply facilities, as the summer season approaches.