Russia unleashed a significant aerial assault on Ukraine overnight, deploying a sophisticated arsenal that included its advanced Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). This barrage, involving dozens of drones and missiles, targeted critical infrastructure across the nation, with a particular focus on Lviv in western Ukraine.
Oreshnik: Russia's Hypersonic Weaponry
The Oreshnik missile, whose name translates to "hazelnut tree" in Russian, represents a new frontier in Moscow's military capabilities. Russia has been eager to showcase its potential, noting that these missiles can be armed with nuclear payloads and are designed for long-range engagements. According to Ukraine's Air Force Western Command, the Oreshnik that struck Lviv was travelling at an astonishing speed of 13,000 kilometres per hour. This marked the second confirmed use of the Oreshnik missile, with its initial deployment recorded in November 2024, targeting Dnipro.
The Kremlin has framed these IRBM attacks as a direct response to an alleged Ukrainian attempt to strike President Vladimir Putin's residence the previous month. However, both Ukraine and the United States have vehemently denied these claims. US officials, including those within the CIA, have assessed that Ukraine did not target Putin's residence, with even US President Donald Trump casting doubt on the veracity of the purported attack.
Devastation in Kyiv: A Double-Tap Strike
The same night, the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, endured a devastating "double-tap" missile and drone attack. This assault resulted in the tragic loss of four lives and left 19 others injured. Among the fatalities was a paramedic, who was assisting civilians in the Darnytskyi district when the attack occurred. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the loss, stating that four other paramedics were injured while providing aid.
The impact of the strikes was widespread, affecting several neighbourhoods and causing damage to residential buildings. In the Desnyanskyi district, a drone crashed onto the roof of a multi-storey building, and the lower floors of another residential building in the same area sustained damage. Further destruction was reported in the Dnipro district, where parts of a drone damaged a multi-storey building, triggering a fire. The attacks also led to disruptions in running water and electricity supplies across parts of the capital.
In total, Moscow launched a massive offensive, comprising 36 missiles and 242 drones of various types, including 8 Iskander ballistic missiles and 10 Kalibr cruise missiles. Ukraine's air force had issued prior warnings about ballistic missile threats and the approach of drones towards the capital. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had also alerted the nation to Russia's intentions for a large-scale offensive, suggesting that Moscow aimed to exploit the icy road conditions in Kyiv. He urged citizens to seek shelter during air raid alerts.
Russia's Signals Amidst Peace Efforts
The timing of Russia's intensified attacks is noteworthy, occurring amidst ongoing US-led initiatives to broker an end to Moscow's full-scale war in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy highlighted that while Ukraine's civil infrastructure and energy facilities were primary targets, a Russian drone also damaged the Qatari embassy building in Kyiv. He underscored Qatar's significant role in mediating prisoner-of-war exchanges and the release of civilians held by Russia. Photos shared by Ukraine's Foreign Minister revealed the aftermath within the embassy.
President Zelenskyy issued a strong call for a decisive global response, particularly from the United States. He emphasized that Russia must be made to understand its obligation to pursue diplomacy and face consequences for its actions of destruction. He described the latest Russian strike as a "loud reminder" to Ukraine's partners about the critical and constant need for air defence support. "We cannot afford to lose a single day in supply, production or negotiations," he stated.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, announced that Kyiv was initiating urgent meetings at the UN Security Council, the Ukraine-NATO Council, and within the EU, Council of Europe, and OSCE. He stressed that such attacks near the borders of the EU and NATO constitute a grave threat to European security and a significant test for the transatlantic alliance.
Earlier, Moscow had rejected the conclusions of a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting in Paris concerning security guarantees for Ukraine. Russia also issued threats towards European nations considering deploying forces in Ukraine post-ceasefire, labelling any such European peacekeeping forces as "legitimate targets." The Russian Foreign Ministry declared that the outcomes of the talks were unacceptable to Moscow.
EU Condemns Escalation
The European Union has strongly condemned Russia's recent attack and its deployment of the Oreshnik missile. Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that the strike demonstrated Putin's unwillingness to pursue peace. "Russia’s reply to diplomacy is more missiles and destruction. This deadly pattern of recurring major Russian strikes will repeat itself until we help Ukraine break it," Kallas remarked on X. She further characterized Russia's use of the Oreshnik missile as a "clear escalation against Ukraine and meant as a warning to Europe and to the US."
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