Russia unleashed what it called a massive retaliatory strike on Ukraine, firing Oreshnik ballistic missiles in a sweeping assault targeting military command centers, airbases, and Ukraine's defense industry infrastructure, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Moscow claimed the operation was carried out in response to what it described as 'terrorist attacks' by Ukraine on civilian facilities inside Russian territory.
Details of the Assault
The Kremlin said the barrage included Oreshnik ballistic missiles, Iskander aeroballistic missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Zircon cruise missiles, as well as air-, sea-, and ground-launched cruise missiles and waves of drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 24 that at least four people were killed and nearly 100 injured nationwide in the assault.
Impact on Kyiv
In Kyiv alone, more than 80 people were wounded, including three children, while two people were confirmed dead. Every district of the capital was bombed, causing widespread devastation. The attacks left the city in a state of emergency as rescue operations continued.
Zelensky condemned the strikes as acts of terror and called for international support. The Ukrainian military reported shooting down several missiles and drones, but acknowledged significant damage to infrastructure.
