IRIA News

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Russia launched one of its heaviest attacks on Kyiv since the start of the war overnight on May 26, 2026, firing hundreds of drones and missiles at the Ukrainian capital and nearby regions.

Ukrainian officials said the barrage killed at least four people and wounded nearly 100 others across Kyiv and surrounding areas.

The large-scale assault lasted for hours and caused widespread destruction to residential buildings, schools, cultural sites, and infrastructure across the capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Western allies to respond more strongly to the attack.

“It’s important that this does not remain without consequences for Russia,” Zelenskyy said in a message posted on Telegram. “Decisions are needed, from the United States, from Europe, and others.”

Use of Oreshnik Missile

One of the most significant aspects of the attack was Russia’s use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, a rare intermediate-range ballistic missile believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

According to Ukrainian officials, the missile struck near Bila Tserkva, a city located roughly 64 kilometers south of Kyiv. It marked only the third confirmed use of the Oreshnik missile during the war.

The missile is believed to have a range of several thousand kilometers and is designed to travel at extremely high speeds, making interception difficult and at times almost impossible.

Analysts reviewing footage of the strike said the missile’s warhead appeared to split into 36 separate submunitions before impact, increasing its destructive capability over a wider area.

Russia also reportedly used Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon missiles during the attack. These systems are among Moscow’s most advanced long-range precision weapons and are frequently promoted by the Kremlin as difficult to intercept.

European leaders described the use of the Oreshnik missile as a dangerous escalation in the conflict. Britain and Germany both condemned the strike, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Moscow of engaging in “reckless nuclear brinkmanship.”

Kyiv Suffers Heavy Damage

The attack caused serious damage across several districts of Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities said around 30 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the capital alone.

Residential neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers, and markets were among the sites hit. Fires broke out in multiple areas as emergency crews worked throughout the night to contain the damage.

Officials also confirmed damage to several important cultural and historic landmarks, including Kyiv’s national art museum and the city’s philharmonic hall.

“This is a war against our culture, memory, and identity,” said Kyrylo Budanov, one of Zelenskyy’s top aides. “For centuries, Moscow has tried to destroy everything that makes us Ukrainian.”

One strike also destroyed a newly opened museum dedicated to the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster. Zelenskyy later visited the site and condemned the attack.

The Ukrainian government additionally reported minor damage to the cabinet building and the Foreign Ministry during the strikes.

Many Kyiv residents spent the night sheltering in underground metro stations as explosions echoed across the city.

In the Lukyanivka district, located north of central Kyiv, apartment buildings and commercial centers suffered extensive damage. The area is also home to a missile production facility that has been targeted repeatedly during the war. A shopping center and nearby market were heavily damaged by fire after the strikes.

Russia Claims Military Targets Were Hit

Russia’s Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted Ukrainian military infrastructure, including command facilities, air bases, intelligence sites, and defense industry locations.

Moscow said the attack was retaliation for what it described as Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets inside Russia. Ukraine denies intentionally targeting civilians.

The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched a total of 90 missiles and 600 drones during the overnight assault, making it one of the largest combined attacks of the war.

Zelenskyy also accused Russia of targeting water-supply infrastructure ahead of the summer season in an apparent attempt to create additional pressure on civilians.

The latest attack comes as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify despite ongoing international calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts.