Kyiv Hit by Nuclear-Capable Missile: Russia Escalates Ukraine Attack

Russia launched a large missile and drone attack on Ukraine, using a nuclear-capable Orechnik missile for the first time. This is a serious change in the conflict.
By Newsroom | World News, Ukraine |

Kyiv, Ukraine – In a significant escalation, Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones on Ukraine overnight, with Ukrainian officials confirming the use of an Orechnik ballistic missile, a weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The attack, which targeted the capital region and other areas, marks a serious departure from previous escalations, raising concerns about a new phase of the protracted conflict.

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The deployment of the Orechnik missile, a nuclear-capable intermediate-range weapon, signifies a potentially grave shift in Russia's military posture towards Ukraine. This development comes amidst acknowledgements from Moscow of retaliatory strikes following alleged Ukrainian "terrorist attacks" on Russian civilian infrastructure.

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A Multi-Pronged Assault

The overnight assault saw widespread damage across the Ukrainian capital, with all districts of Kyiv reporting damage. Beyond the capital, explosions and casualties were reported in the Dnipropetrovsk and Tcherkassy regions. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the massive strike was in response to what it termed "terrorist attacks" by Ukraine. Their arsenal, according to their statement, included not only the Orechnik ballistic missiles but also Iskander and Kinjal aero-ballistic missiles, Tsirkon cruise missiles, and drones.

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Ukraine's Mounting Worries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously warned of impending Russian strikes, specifically mentioning the potential use of the Orechnik missile. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the use of an Orechnik, an intermediate-range ballistic missile considered particularly challenging to intercept. Preliminary reports indicate at least four fatalities and dozens of injuries resulting from the widespread attacks. The American embassy in Kyiv had also previously expressed concerns about the possibility of a large-scale Russian offensive.

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Shifting Battlefield Dynamics

This recent barrage occurs as Ukraine has reportedly gained an advantage on the battlefield for the first time in four years, inflicting substantial monthly losses on Russia. Ukrainian drones have been instrumental in this shift, reaching targets deep within Russian territory, including munitions depots, refineries, and air defense systems up to 2,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The effectiveness of these drones, coupled with disruptions to Russian internal communications and the dismantling of Starlink terminals in occupied territories, has reportedly weakened Russian troop coordination. The head of the Russian air force was reportedly dismissed due to an inability to counter Ukrainian drone attacks.

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International Reaction and Broader Context

The European Union's Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the use of the Orechnik missile, labeling it a "terrorist act." Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Belarus not to be drawn into Russia's "war of aggression." Russia, positioned as an ally of Moscow, shares borders with Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, all members of NATO and the European Union, as well as Ukraine itself, highlighting the volatile geopolitical proximity of the conflict.

The conflict, which has seen devastating human costs for Russia, with reports of monthly losses reaching 35,000 men, continues to strain the Kremlin's capacity for recruitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Russia use a nuclear-capable Orechnik missile in the attack on Kyiv?
Ukraine officials confirmed Russia used an Orechnik ballistic missile, which can carry nuclear warheads, in a large attack on Kyiv and other areas. This is seen as a serious escalation of the conflict.
Q: What damage did the overnight missile and drone barrage cause in Ukraine?
The attack caused widespread damage in Kyiv, with all districts reporting harm. Explosions and casualties were also reported in the Dnipropetrovsk and Tcherkassy regions. At least four people died and dozens were injured.
Q: What did Russia say about the reason for this large strike?
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated the strike was in response to what they called "terrorist attacks" by Ukraine on Russian civilian areas. They claimed to use various missiles including Orechnik, Iskander, Kinjal, Tsirkon, and drones.
Q: How does the use of the Orechnik missile change the war in Ukraine?
The Orechnik is an intermediate-range ballistic missile that is hard to intercept. Its use by Russia is a significant shift in their military actions and raises concerns about a new, more dangerous phase of the war.
Q: What is the international reaction to Russia's use of the Orechnik missile?
The European Union's Commission President called it a "terrorist act." France's President urged Belarus not to get involved in Russia's war. The use of this missile near NATO countries like Poland and Lithuania increases geopolitical tension.