Kyiv Hit by Large-Scale Russian Attack, Hypersonic Missile Used

Russia launched a large-scale wave of strikes against Ukraine, primarily targeting Kyiv, overnight on Saturday, May 24, 2026. The assault involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the powerful hypersonic Oreshnik missile, which Russia's army confirmed was used for the third time in the conflict, according to GDELT and Aaj Tak. The attacks resulted in four fatalities in the capital and wider region, with approximately 100 people sustaining injuries, BBC News reported. Loud explosions were heard across Kyiv throughout the night, prompting residents to seek shelter in underground stations, as reported by Al Jazeera and GDELT. The strikes caused significant damage, impacting dozens of residential buildings, a school, an opera house, and a museum, according to BBC News. Russia's defense ministry stated the strikes were a response to Ukraine's "attacks on civilian infrastructure" on Russian territory, a claim Ukraine's military denies, BBC News noted. GDELT added that the Oreshnik missile, described as nuclear-capable, was deployed without a nuclear warhead. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously warned about the potential use of this missile, Aaj Tak reported.