Russia deploys Oreshnik ballistic missile in massive barrage of attacks on Ukraine

Russia launched a large barrage of missiles and drones at Kyiv early Sunday, following warnings from Ukrainian leadership and the US embassy about an imminent strike. The attack included an Oreshnik ballistic missile aimed at Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region. Ukrainian air defenses reported shooting down 55 missiles and 549 drones, while 19 missiles likely failed to reach targets. Missile debris fell across multiple Kyiv districts, damaging residential buildings, vehicles, and a warehouse. Ukrainian officials reported at least two deaths and 44 injuries in Kyiv, with additional fatalities in the wider capital region. Air raid sirens sounded in other regions, and NATO scrambled jets in Poland.

"Russia fired 90 missiles and 600 drones, Ukraine's Air Force said in a statement. That included an Oreshnik ballistic missile targeting the town of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region, RBC Ukraine reported, citing Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat. The Air Force said it shot down 55 of the missiles and 549 drones, while another 19 missiles likely didn't reach their targets."

"At least two people were killed and 44 injured in Kyiv, including three in serious condition, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram. Another two people died in the wider capital region, the local governor, Mykola Kalashnyk, said on Telegram. Authorities in the capital said missile debris fell in at least three city districts, and that residential buildings, vehicles and a warehouse were damaged in the attack."

""This strike was probably meant to demonstrate 'strength' to the domestic audience, but instead it only confirms Putin's weakness," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a statement on X. He called on Kyiv's allies to increase pressure on Russian and to provide additional air defense capabilities."

"Mr Zelensky said on social media late on Saturday that Ukraine had received intelligence, including from the US and European partners, that Russia was preparing a major strike on Ukraine, which could involve an Oreshnik missile. Air Defense issued a ballistic missile and drone strike alert, asking civilians to seek shelter, while NATO scrambled jets in Poland."

Read at Irish Independent