Russia Confirms Using Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missile On Ukraine, EU Calls Move Reckless

Last Updated:May 24, 2026, 16:12 IST

Ukraine said Russia launched 55 missiles and hundreds of drones overnight. Air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming weapons, but several targets were still hit.

Russia on Sunday confirmed it used a nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile during a large overnight assault on Ukraine, marking one of the most serious escalations in recent months of the war.

The attack involved a wave of ballistic and cruise missiles along with hundreds of drones aimed at several parts of Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv and central regions. Ukrainian officials said at least four people were killed and dozens injured in the strikes.

Russia’s defence ministry said the barrage was carried out in response to what it called Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure inside Russian territory. Moscow said it used Oreshnik ballistic missiles along with Iskander, Kinzhal and Tsirkon missile systems during the operation.

Massive Overnight Assault

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 55 missiles and hundreds of drones overnight. Air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming weapons, but several targets were still hit.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said two people died in the capital, while two more were killed in the surrounding Kyiv region. Officials also reported damage to residential buildings, schools, markets and public infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian areas. In a post on Telegram, he said Russian strikes damaged a water supply facility, burnt down a market and hit several residential buildings and schools.

Zelenskyy also confirmed that Russia launched an Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missile towards Bila Tserkva in central Ukraine.

“They are genuinely deranged," he said, referring to the Russian leadership.

EU Strongly Criticises Russia

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas sharply criticised Moscow over the use of the nuclear-capable missile system.

She said Russia was trying to “terrorise Ukraine" through large-scale attacks on city centres after facing difficulties on the battlefield.

Calling the reported use of the Oreshnik missile a “political scare tactic", Kallas warned that deploying weapons designed to carry nuclear warheads amounted to “reckless nuclear brinkmanship".

News world Russia Confirms Using Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missile On Ukraine, EU Calls Move Reckless

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