Ukraine reported one of the largest combined aerial assaults since the war began, with Russian forces launching hundreds of drones and scores of missiles overnight. The attack targeted Kyiv and the surrounding region, including the city of Bila Tserkva, where a new intermediate-range ballistic missile was used for the third time in the conflict.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia fired approximately 600 drones and 90 missiles, among them 36 ballistic missiles. Some of the ballistic projectiles evaded interception, with the heaviest concentration of strikes hitting the capital. Emergency services responded to fires in residential areas, near schools, commercial sites and infrastructure.
Casualties and damage assessed
In Kyiv, at least two people were killed and dozens wounded, officials said. The Kyiv region also reported deaths and injuries. Zelensky stated that across Ukraine, no fewer than 83 people were hurt in the overnight attack. Rescue crews continued to extinguish fires and clear debris as assessments of the full extent of damage remained ongoing.
Oreshnik missile deployed against Bila Tserkva
Monitoring resources had initially reported the possible use of a missile dubbed ‘Oreshnik’ in the area of Bila Tserkva. This was later confirmed by Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine’s Air Force, who said Russia struck the district with an RS-26 Rubezh intermediate-range ballistic missile, also known as the Oreshnik. He added that the launch took place from the Kapustin Yar range in Russia’s Astrakhan region.
Kremlin claims military targets, Zelensky details civilian impact
Zelensky confirmed that the Oreshnik missile was directed at Bila Tserkva, while other strikes hit a water supply facility, a market, residential buildings and schools. Russia’s Ministry of Defence stated that the Oreshnik was used as part of the night offensive and claimed the targets were military and industrial sites.
Third deployment signals potential escalation
The use of the Oreshnik missile marked the third confirmed deployment of the weapon against Ukraine during the full-scale war. The missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, leading analysts to view its use not only as a tactical attack but also as a demonstrative signal of escalation potential.
