Russia Launches Major Drone and Missile Strikes on Ukraine

Russia executed a major overnight assault on Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, resulting in at least four fatalities and over twenty injuries. This attack marked only the second occasion that Russia utilized the new Oreshnik missile, which the Russian government claims can travel at speeds of up to 10 times the speed of sound. The coordinated strikes occurred shortly after Ukraine and its allies reported significant progress in discussions about future defense strategies against ongoing Russian aggression.

Details of the Attack

Ukrainian officials confirmed that the strikes targeted various districts in Kyiv, including residential areas. Among the casualties was an emergency medical worker, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration. The attacks also injured five rescue workers who were responding to the emergency. Significant damage was reported at the Qatari Embassy, which has been instrumental in mediating prisoner exchanges.

According to reports, Russia’s Defense Ministry described the assault as retaliation for a purported Ukrainian drone strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s residence. Both Ukraine and U.S. officials have dismissed this claim, indicating that no such attack occurred.

The Oreshnik missile, first used in a strike against Dnipro in November 2024, is said to carry multiple warheads, each equipped with submunitions. Analysts suggest that its deployment enhances Russia’s psychological warfare capabilities, aiming to instill fear among Ukrainians and Western nations supporting Ukraine.

International Response and Implications

In response to the missile’s use, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, announced plans for international actions, including a request for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council and the Ukraine-NATO Council. He emphasized that the missile strikes represent a serious threat to European security and called for a robust response from the international community, particularly from the United States.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that the attack aimed to exploit the harsh winter conditions, which have rendered roads and streets in Kyiv particularly hazardous. The situation reflects a sharp decline in relations between Moscow and Washington, particularly following the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker in the North Atlantic.

In Kyiv, the impact of the strikes was felt across several districts. In the Desnyanskyi district, a drone crash resulted in damage to a multi-story building, while a fire broke out in another residential area due to debris from a drone. Local resident Dmytro Karpenko expressed his concerns, stating, “What Russia is doing shows that they do not want peace. But people really want peace; people are suffering, people are dying.”

The attack disrupted essential services such as running water and electricity in parts of the capital, as reported by Vitali Klitschko, the Mayor of Kyiv. The incident reinforces the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine as it navigates a complex landscape of military aggression and international diplomacy.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of the Oreshnik missile’s deployment and the broader geopolitical tensions remain critical areas of focus for both Ukrainian officials and international observers.