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Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine, bombarding the country with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least four people, Ukrainian officials reported Friday. Among the weapons deployed was the nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile, which Russia claims flies at 10 times the speed of sound and is impossible to intercept—only the second time this advanced weapon has been used.
The large-scale assault comes amid reports of progress in U.S.-led peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated significant headway in discussions with Washington envoys regarding a possible peace settlement, though Moscow has shown no public willingness to compromise on its demands.
The timing of the attack coincides with escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington following Russia’s condemnation of a U.S. seizure of an oil tanker in the North Atlantic. It also comes as President Donald Trump has reportedly signaled support for new sanctions aimed at economically crippling Russia.
In Kyiv, the attack claimed four lives, including an emergency medical aid worker, and wounded at least 25 people. Four doctors and one police officer were among the injured while responding to the ongoing bombardment. The assault left approximately 6,000 apartment buildings—about half of the snow-covered capital—without heating, and disrupted water supplies, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Municipal services rushed to restore power and heating to critical facilities like hospitals using mobile boiler units.
The Qatari Embassy in Kyiv was also damaged in the attack, Zelenskyy noted, pointing out Qatar’s important role in mediating prisoner exchanges. The Ukrainian president called for a “clear response” from the international community, particularly from the United States, which he said Russia takes seriously.
Russia’s Defense Ministry characterized the assault as retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month—a claim both Ukraine and the U.S. have rejected.
The Oreshnik missile, which Putin has previously described as streaking “like a meteorite” to its target at Mach 10, reportedly carries six warheads, each containing six submunitions, according to Ukrainian intelligence. Putin has warned that Russia could use this weapon against Ukraine’s allies if they permit Kyiv to strike inside Russian territory with longer-range missiles.
While Russian officials didn’t specify where the Oreshnik hit, Russian media and military bloggers suggested it targeted a major underground natural gas storage facility in Ukraine’s western Lviv region, which borders Poland—a crucial hub for Western military aid flowing into Ukraine.
Russia first deployed the Oreshnik missile against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November 2024. Military analysts suggest the weapon adds a psychological warfare element to Russia’s arsenal, unnerving Ukrainians and intimidating Western nations supplying weaponry to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine would initiate international action in response to the missile’s use, including calling for an urgent UN Security Council meeting and convening the Ukraine-NATO Council. “Such a strike close to EU and NATO border is a grave threat to the security on the European continent and a test for the transatlantic community. We demand strong responses to Russia’s reckless actions,” Sybiha posted on X.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the situation during remarks at the Vatican on Friday, urging the international community to pursue peace and end the suffering in Ukraine. “Faced with this tragic situation, the Holy See strongly reiterates the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire, and for dialogue motivated by a sincere search for ways leading to peace,” he told ambassadors.
In Kyiv, the attack damaged multiple residential buildings across several districts. Dmytro Karpenko, a 45-year-old resident whose windows were shattered, rushed to help a neighbor whose house caught fire. “What Russia is doing, of course, shows that they do not want peace. But people really want peace, people are suffering, people are dying,” he said.
The bombardment occurred just hours after Zelenskyy warned the nation about Russia’s plans for a large-scale offensive, noting that Russia aimed to take advantage of the frigid weather that has made Kyiv’s roads and streets dangerously icy.
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6 Comments
The use of the Oreshnik missile is concerning, as it seems to be a very capable and challenging-to-intercept weapon. This attack comes at a delicate time, with talks of a potential peace settlement underway. I hope this doesn’t derail those efforts.
Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik missile is a clear statement of its military capabilities and willingness to escalate the conflict. It will be important to monitor how this affects the geopolitical dynamics and any potential peace process going forward.
It’s tragic to see the loss of civilian life, including an emergency medical worker, in this attack. The use of such advanced weaponry is a concerning escalation. I hope the peace talks can still move forward despite this setback.
Interesting to see Russia deploying its newest ballistic missile in the Ukraine conflict. This shows the escalating scale and sophistication of the weaponry being used. I wonder how this advanced missile compares to systems in the West’s arsenal.
The timing of this massive missile attack is quite puzzling, given the reports of progress in US-led peace efforts. It suggests Russia may be trying to gain leverage or disrupt the negotiations. This conflict continues to be incredibly complex and unpredictable.
Russia’s claims about the Oreshnik’s speed and accuracy are certainly alarming. It’s a troubling development in an already devastating conflict. I’m curious to see how the international community responds to this new escalation.