Arabic version: كييف تتعرض لهجوم صاروخي روسي فائق السرعة في هجوم مدمر

Russia has launched a significant attack on Kyiv using its hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile, resulting in at least four fatalities and dozens of injuries. The missile struck various locations, including a water supply facility and multiple residential buildings, as reported by Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He described the assault as ‘deranged’ on Telegram, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted on the city.

According to The Guardian, Zelenskyy confirmed that at least 83 individuals sustained injuries from the attack, with Kyiv being the hardest hit. The Russian defense ministry acknowledged its use of the Oreshnik missile, marking its third deployment in the conflict, and stated that the strikes were in retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets in Russia.

The assault involved a staggering barrage of 600 drones and 90 missiles, with 36 being ballistic in nature. Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, reported that two people had died in the capital, with damage noted across all districts. Schools and cultural institutions, including the National Art Museum, also suffered as a result of the strikes.

In response to the attack, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for consequences for Russia, while international leaders condemned the actions, calling them acts of terror. French President Emmanuel Macron described the missile strikes as indicative of the ‘dead end’ of Russia’s aggression, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeled the attacks as deliberate attempts to inflict civilian casualties.

The Oreshnik missile, capable of traveling at ten times the speed of sound, poses significant challenges for interception, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to such high-speed strikes. The recent escalation follows accusations from Russian President Vladimir Putin against Ukraine regarding a drone attack in Luhansk, further intensifying the ongoing conflict.