Large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv

On May 24, 2026, Russia launched a massive aerial attack on Ukraine involving approximately 600 drones and 90 missiles, including the use of Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Ukrainian officials reported significant strikes across Kyiv and surrounding regions, with the city of Bila Tserkva also targeted. While the Ukrainian Air Force stated most projectiles were intercepted, several reached their targets, causing fires in residential areas and schools. Casualty reports vary by source, with numbers ranging from one to four confirmed deaths and between 13 and 87 injuries. Russian officials described the strikes as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil, claiming to hit military infrastructure and defense industry sites. International leaders, including Kaja Kallas and Emmanuel Macron, condemned the action as a reckless escalation. The United States has categorized the Oreshnik missile as an advanced weapon capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. The attack triggered air raid alerts nationwide and forced thousands of civilians to seek shelter in metro stations.