Russia's Massive Missile and Drone Attack on Kyiv, May 24 2026

In the early hours of May 24, Russia launched 90 missiles and 600 drones at Kyiv, using hypersonic Oreshnik missile—its third use—alongside Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles. Ukrainian officials recorded four deaths, over 80 injuries, and damage to residential blocks, schools, a water-supply facility, a market and the National Art Museum.

The Guardian

The Oreshnik missile, capable of nuclear or conventional warheads and travelling at speeds claimed ten times sound, was first used against Dnipro in November 2024 and again near Lviv in January 2025. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a possible Oreshnik strike on May 22. Russia said the May 24 barrage retaliated for alleged Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian sites. Main figures are Zelenskyy, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, President Vladimir Putin, Russian Defence Ministry and EU leader Emmanuel Macron.

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Kyiv resident Nataliia Zvarych called the night “terrifying, scary,” while market worker Svitlana Onofryichuk called it “a terrible night unlike any other.” Yevhen Zosin said a shock wave threw him and his dog back, shattering his apartment.

The Guardian

President Zelenskyy urged that the strike must have consequences for Russia, calling on the United States, Europe and partners to act. The Russian Defence Ministry said the operation targeted military command facilities, air bases and industrial sites. European leaders called hypersonic missile use a “reckless escalation” and a “dead end of Russia’s war of aggression,” pledging diplomatic pressure. Ukraine’s ambassador dismissed Russian war-crime accusations as “pure propaganda.” Critics noted civilian casualties and damage to cultural sites.

The Guardian

Casualty counts vary: Ukrainian officials cite four deaths in Kyiv, while other reports mention one or two. The Ukrainian air force has not confirmed an Oreshnik hit. Ballistic missile numbers range from 36 to the full 90 launched, and intercept data remain unavailable.

The Guardian

The hypersonic missile’s alleged nuclear capability raises nuclear-brinkmanship concerns and exposes gaps in Ukraine’s air-defence. Europe warned repeated use could trigger further sanctions and diplomatic isolation of Russia.

The Guardian

An emergency UN Security Council meeting convened by Russia was followed by an EU foreign-ministers summit on pressure on Moscow. Western governments signaled readiness for additional sanctions and aid, while Russia warned of further retaliation.

The Guardian

• “It was a terrible night for Kyiv,” — Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv

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• “It's important that this does not remain without consequences for Russia,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

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• “Russia is systematically attacking civilian infrastructure and cultural institutions. Each such strike is an attempt to intimidate and destroy our identity,” — Tetyana Berezhna, Minister of Culture, Ukraine

The Guardian

• “Moscow’s escalating assault on Ukrainian civilians betrays its weakness.” — Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Minister

The Guardian