Russia Uses Oreshnik Missile in Kyiv Attack as Ukraine Presses Europe for Support
The mass strike hit Kyiv as Ukraine called for stronger air defenses and a faster European Union path.
KYIV | Russia used the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile during a mass drone and missile attack on Kyiv, marking another escalation in the war and renewing calls from Ukraine for a stronger international response.
The Associated Press reported that the attack killed at least two people and injured dozens, with damage across homes, schools, markets and government-related areas. Reuters reported Russian state agencies said Moscow used multiple missile types, including Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles.
Ukraine has said its defenses intercepted or jammed many drones and missiles but continues to face difficulty against ballistic weapons because of a shortage of Patriot systems. Russia described the attack as retaliatory, while Ukrainian officials and European leaders condemned the strike.
The use of Oreshnik matters because Ukraine and its allies view the weapon as a strategic signal as well as a battlefield threat. The strike also comes as Kyiv presses Europe to accelerate its path toward EU membership.
Additional Reporting By: Associated Press; Reuters; Al Jazeera / Reuters on EU accession
What this means
The next points are air-defense commitments, European sanctions pressure and whether the Oreshnik strike changes the pace of diplomatic or military support for Kyiv.