The Ukrainian capital endured one of the most intense aerial assaults of the war overnight Sunday as Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles toward Kyiv and nearby regions, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack reportedly included the use of an Oreshnik hypersonic missile, marking the third known deployment of the weapon during the conflict.
Ukrainian authorities said at least four people were killed and nearly 100 others were injured during the large-scale bombardment, which lasted for hours through the night. Emergency officials reported widespread destruction across Kyiv, including damage to apartment buildings, schools, and civilian infrastructure in several central districts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack and urged Western allies to respond more forcefully to Russia’s continued military escalation.
“It is important that Russia does not escape consequences for these actions,” Zelenskyy said in a message posted on Telegram, calling on the United States, European nations, and other allies to increase pressure on Moscow.
The latest strike has intensified international concern over the war’s trajectory, particularly following reports that Russia used the Oreshnik missile system — an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon capable of carrying nuclear payloads. Western officials have previously described the missile as a significant escalation in Russia’s military posture.
European leaders swiftly denounced the assault. Officials from both the United Kingdom and Germany characterized the missile’s use as a dangerous escalation in the conflict, now entering its fourth year.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, accused Moscow of escalating the war through increasingly destructive tactics targeting Ukrainian cities.
The overnight barrage comes as fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces remains intense along multiple front lines, while diplomatic efforts to end the war continue to stall. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Kyiv has repeatedly faced missile and drone attacks, though Ukrainian officials described Sunday’s assault as among the heaviest ever directed at the capital.
According to local authorities, air defense systems were active across Kyiv throughout the night as residents sought shelter in subway stations and underground facilities while explosions echoed across the city.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as rescue crews continue emergency operations in affected neighborhoods.
By the Midtown Times International Desk Staff
