At least 2 dead, 83 wounded after Russia uses nuclear-capable missile in massive attack on Ukraine

At Least 2 Dead, 83 Wounded After Russia Deploys Nuclear-Capable Missile in Kyiv

At least 2 dead 83 wounded - On Sunday, Russia launched a hypersonic missile with nuclear capabilities into the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, resulting in at least two fatalities and 83 injuries, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attack, which involved a combination of drone strikes and missile assaults, marked the third deployment of the Oreshnik ballistic missile in the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy disclosed the strike in a Telegram post, highlighting its significance amid the war’s fourth year.

Targeting Urban Centers and Civilian Infrastructure

The Oreshnik, a multiple-warhead missile designed to strike with precision, hit Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region, according to Zelenskyy. While the specific target remained undisclosed, Ukrainian officials noted damage to buildings across the city, including government offices, residential areas, markets, and schools. Graphic footage shared by media showed rescue teams extracting survivors from a partially collapsed residential complex engulfed in flames.

“Russia hit a dead-end on the battlefield, so it terrorizes Ukraine with deliberate strikes on city centers. These are abhorrent acts of terror meant to kill as many civilians as possible,” Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, stated on X.

Ukraine and its allies have long accused Russia of intentionally targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, a claim the Kremlin denies. The latest attack, which involved 600 strike drones and 90 air, sea, and ground-launched missiles, was met with robust resistance from Ukrainian air defenses. According to the Air Force, 549 drones and 55 missiles were destroyed or intercepted, with approximately 19 failing to reach their intended destinations.

Russian Justifications and Retaliatory Claims

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the use of the Oreshnik during the assault, stating it targeted “military command and control facilities,” air bases, and industrial sites. The ministry did not specify the exact locations of these targets, emphasizing that the strike was in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian areas. However, in a subsequent social media update, Moscow clarified that no civilian sites were hit during the overnight strike on Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who criticized the attack on a college dormitory in eastern Ukraine earlier this week, framed the Oreshnik as a necessary tool for retaliation. He described the missile as capable of traveling at Mach 10, surpassing the speed of sound by a factor of 10, and noted its ability to destroy underground bunkers “three, four, or more floors down.” Putin argued that the weapon’s design, akin to a “meteorite,” makes it impervious to existing missile defense systems.

“The Oreshnik is immune to any missile defense system,” Putin asserted, adding that even conventional warheads could produce effects comparable to a nuclear strike.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Pushback

In a U.N. Security Council emergency session, Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Melnyk refuted Russian claims of war crimes, calling the accusations a “pure propaganda show.” He defended the May 22 operations, insisting they “exclusively targeted the Russian war machine.” Kyiv’s European allies, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, swiftly condemned the use of the Oreshnik, underscoring their concern over the weapon’s civilian impact.

The attack also intensified diplomatic tensions, with EU officials convening to strategize increased pressure on Russia. Kallas emphasized that the assault aimed to destabilize Ukraine by focusing on urban centers, a tactic she described as a “deliberate strike on city centers” to maximize civilian casualties. She warned that top diplomats would soon meet to outline measures against Moscow’s aggression.

Historical Context and Strategic Implications

Russia first deployed the Oreshnik in November 2024, striking Dnipro, and later used it again in January 2025 in the Lviv region. This third use underscores the weapon’s growing role in Russia’s military strategy. Analysts suggest the missile’s hypersonic speed and nuclear potential make it a formidable asset, capable of bypassing traditional defense systems and striking with devastating accuracy.

The destruction in Kyiv raised questions about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s defenses. Despite the Air Force’s efforts to neutralize 549 drones and 55 missiles, the remaining 19 that reached their targets highlighted the challenge posed by such advanced weaponry. Zelenskyy had previously warned of the Oreshnik’s impending use, citing intelligence from the U.S. and Western allies as evidence of Moscow’s plans to escalate the conflict.

Casualty Figures and Regional Impact

As search-and-rescue operations concluded, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported a rise in casualties from the attack in Starobilsk, where the death toll climbed to 21. Another 42 individuals were injured in that strike, prompting the Luhansk region’s authorities to announce two days of mourning for the victims. These numbers reflect the broader toll of Russia’s military campaign, which has seen a mix of precision strikes and large-scale bombings.

The use of the Oreshnik in Kyiv and Starobilsk exemplifies Russia’s dual strategy of targeting both military assets and civilian populations. While the missile’s primary purpose may be to disrupt Ukrainian command structures, its presence in urban areas has drawn international scrutiny. Critics argue that the weapon’s capacity to strike with minimal warning aligns with Moscow’s goal of inducing fear and eroding public morale in Ukraine.

Escalating Tensions and Future Outlook

Putin’s recent comments on the Oreshnik underscore his confidence in the missile’s capabilities. By describing it as a “meteorite” streaking at Mach 10, he emphasized its speed and destructive force, positioning it as a key component of Russia’s offensive arsenal. Analysts suggest the weapon’s nuclear option could serve as a psychological weapon, deterring Western intervention or signaling a potential escalation in the war.

Meanwhile, the attack in Kyiv sparked immediate reactions from global leaders. The combination of drones and missiles in the assault, which lasted through the night, prompted air raid sirens to blare across the city as smoke filled the skyline. Associated Press reporters on the ground described the chaos, with citizens scrambling to reach shelters amid the destruction.

As the conflict enters its fourth year, the Oreshnik’s deployment highlights the evolving nature of the war. While Ukraine and its allies continue to accuse Russia of targeting civilians, Moscow maintains that its strikes are focused on military infrastructure. The balance of power remains uncertain, with both sides leveraging advanced technology to assert dominance on the battlefield and in the global arena.

The incident in Kyiv marks a significant development in the war’s narrative, blending military precision with the potential for catastrophic civilian harm. With the Oreshnik’s third use, Russia has demonstrated its ability to strike deep into Ukrainian territory, challenging the nation’s defenses and drawing renewed attention from the international community. As the U.N. and other diplomatic forums debate the implications, the focus remains on whether Russia’s actions will escalate the conflict into a new phase of warfare.