Russia launched nocturnal missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine, resulting in four fatalities and over 80 injuries.
As smoke from the attacks billowed across the city, air raid sirens continued to sound throughout the night and into Sunday.
In a Telegram post, Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv military administration, stated that damage had been found in 40 spots around the city’s various districts, including residential buildings.
As part of the massive overnight strikes, Russia also launched a nuclear-capable Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missile, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday. “Three Russian missiles against a water supply facility, a market burned down, dozens of residential buildings damaged, several ordinary schools, and he (Vladimir Putin) launched his ‘Oreshnik’ against Bila Tserkva.” Zelensky stated on Telegram, “They are truly insane.”
According to the air force, 55 of the 90 missiles and 549 of the 600 drones were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses.
Kaja Kallas, the head of EU foreign policy, stated on Sunday that Russia’s most recent huge bombardment was intended to “terrorise Ukraine.”
“Russia terrorizes Ukraine with intentional strikes on city centers after reaching a dead end on the battlefield,” Kallas said on X.
In Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 24, 2026, an explosion illuminates the sky above the city during a Russian missile and drone strike amid Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
An apartment complex destroyed by a Russian missile and drone strike is engulfed in flames.
Following a heavy Russian airstrike in Kyiv, Ukraine, smoke rises above the city at dawn. “Moscow reportedly using Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles – systems designed to carry nuclear warheads – is a political scare-tactic and reckless nuclear-brinkmanship,” she continued.
Zelensky posted a statement on X on Sunday morning after the incident, saying, “First responders and all necessary services have been working wherever needed since last night. As of now, at least 83 people have been confirmed injured since midnight.” Sadly, some people die. My sympathies go out to the loved ones and families.
‘It was a heavy attack – 90 missiles of various types, many of them ballistic missiles – 36 in total. Six hundred drones were present. Sadly, not every ballistic missile was intercepted; Kyiv had the most hits.
The main objective of this Russian assault was Kyiv. Putin is still using his missiles to destroy residential buildings even if he can no longer speak the phrase “hurrah” clearly—only mumbles and slurs.
attacked a water supply facility with three Russian missiles. destroyed a market with fire. Numerous residential buildings were damaged. Attack a number of regular schools.
“Oreshnik” was launched against Bila Tserkva. They are truly insane. It is crucial that Russia bears the consequences of this.
“Everyone on the planet today who decides to support Ukraine and refuses to remain silent is a protector of life. Maintaining Ukraine’s air defense, particularly its anti-ballistic capabilities, is vital.
We are making every effort to bring about peace and safeguard people. The fact that Ukraine is not alone is crucial.
“To get that old ‘Oreshnik’ in Moscow to finally say the word ‘peace,’ decisions are required from the United States, Europe, and others.”
“It was a terrible night, and there had never been anything like it in the entire war,” said Svitlana Onofryichuk, 55, a resident of Kyiv. “I am very sorry that I have to say goodbye to Kyiv now, I am not staying there anymore, there is no possibility.”
Amid Russia’s assault on Ukraine, firefighters respond to a Russian missile and drone strike site in the Poltava region of Ukraine.
Following a Russian strike on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, people examine a burning trade center.
Following a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, a structure catches fire. “My job is gone, everything is gone, everything has burned down.”
Yevhen Zosin, a 74-year-old city resident who saw the attack, claimed that he ran to save his dog as soon as he heard an explosion. “Then there was another explosion and she and I were thrown back like a pin by the shock wave,” he added. She and I both made it out alive. “My apartment was blown to pieces,” he remarked.
Ukraine’s official emergency service claimed that a five-story residential building in the Shevchenko neighborhood of Kyiv was struck, resulting in a fire and one fatality.
According to Mayor Vitalii Klitschko, an attack damaged a school building while people sought refuge inside.
Supermarkets and warehouses throughout the city were also destroyed, according to local authorities.
Citing information from the US and Western allies, Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier issued a warning that Russia had been preparing to launch the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile.
Later, the Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning that the Oreshnik might be launched.
In November 2024, Russia launched the multiple-warhead Oreshnik on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
In January, it was employed once more in the western region of Lviv.
According to President Vladimir Putin, the Oreshnik, which translates to “hazelnut tree” in Russian, can destroy underground bunkers “three, four or more floors down” and streak at Mach 10, or ten times the speed of sound.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that Russia has launched a nuclear-capable Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missile as part of the huge midnight strikes.
Following Russian assaults on Ukraine’s capital on May 24, 2026, smoke rises above Kyiv.
According to Mr. Putin, the weapon travels “like a meteorite” and is impervious to any missile defense system. He added that multiple of these missiles, even if they were equipped with conventional warheads, might be just as destructive as a nuclear attack.
The UN stated on Friday that it “strongly condemns any attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur,” but that it was unable to confirm specifics because of limited access to the region.
Recently, Kyiv has increased its drone capabilities and intensified attacks on uncontested Russian territory, including residential areas and infrastructure related to oil exports.
Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has conducted massive missile and drone barrages at the country nearly every day, damaging infrastructure and killing civilians. It disputes that it targets civilians.
Due to Washington’s focus on its fight in the Middle East, US-led efforts to put an end to more than four years of war have slowed in recent months.
