Following prior warnings, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Russia utilized an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile as part of a massive, multi-wave aerial assault targeting Kyiv and beyond.
The Scale of the Attack
“It was a powerful attack – 90 missiles of various types, including 36 ballistic missiles – totaling 600 drones,” Zelensky wrote on X. He noted that Kyiv was the primary target, though interceptors failed to stop all ballistic threats.
The strikes caused at least four fatalities and left 83 people injured. In Kyiv, residential buildings in seven districts were damaged, while infrastructure, including a water facility, a marketplace, and several schools, was struck.
Deployment of the Oreshnik System
Ukrainian Air Force officials confirmed that an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile was launched from the Kapustin Yar test site in Russia’s Astrakhan region. The missile targeted the Bila Tserkva area, approximately 80-90 kilometers from Kyiv.
Col. Yurii Ihnat confirmed the weapon’s use, marking the third recorded deployment of the system following previous strikes on Dnipro in November 2024 and Lviv in January 2026. Military data shows a total of 604 targets were intercepted, including 55 missiles and 549 drones, while 19 missiles likely missed their marks.
Strategic Warnings and Context
Zelensky had previously warned that intelligence indicated Russia was preparing a joint attack using various weapons systems, including the Oreshnik. He is now calling for urgent, coordinated action from the US and Europe to pressure Putin toward peace.
The Oreshnik, reportedly based on the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile, is capable of striking targets between 800 and 5,500 kilometers away. Analysts note that while its precision is limited compared to cruise missiles, its speed and range pose significant defensive challenges.