RUSSIA UNLEASHES MASSIVE DRONE AND MISSILE BARRAGE ON KYIV, INCLUDING RARE ORESHNIK HYPERSONIC STRIKE, KILLING AT LEAST FOUR AND INJURING DOZENS. (PHOTO).

 Russia unleashes massive drone and missile barrage on Kyiv, including rare Oreshnik hypersonic strike, killing at least four and injuring dozens

Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks in months on Kyiv and surrounding areas, unleashing hundreds of drones and missiles in an overnight barrage that killed at least four people and injured more than 80, Ukrainian officials said. Authorities reported widespread damage across the capital region, including destroyed residential buildings, damaged schools, and strikes on infrastructure as emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish fires and clear rubble.

Officials said the assault included the use of an Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which was fired near the capital and marked only the third known deployment of the system in the war since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. The missile, which is believed to have a long range and potential nuclear capability, was part of a larger wave of roughly 90 missiles and about 600 drones, according to Ukrainian military figures. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the night as “terrible,” saying rescuers were responding to multiple sites while medics treated the wounded.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said one of the strikes hit Bila Tserkva, a city southwest of Kyiv, and accused Russia of deliberately targeting water supply systems ahead of peak summer demand. He called for stronger international action, saying consequences were needed from the United States, Europe, and other partners. Russia, meanwhile, said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks and claimed its targets included military command centers, air bases, and defense-related facilities, while denying any intent to strike civilians.

The overnight bombardment triggered explosions across Kyiv shortly after 1 a.m., with residents rushing into metro stations for shelter as air raid warnings spread. Damage was reported at government buildings, including the Foreign Ministry, and in historic central areas. At least two people were killed in the capital and dozens more wounded, while additional casualties were reported in surrounding regions and other cities, including Cherkasy, where a drone struck an apartment building.

By morning, smoke hung over Kyiv as firefighters worked through damaged neighborhoods and emergency crews evacuated residents from destroyed or partially collapsed buildings. Officials said offices, shops, warehouses, and transit infrastructure were also hit. Zelenskyy had warned a day earlier that intelligence indicated Russia was preparing a major strike involving the Oreshnik system, as tensions escalated further in the ongoing conflict.