Russia confirmed on Sunday, May 24th, the use of a nuclear-capable missile named Orechnik during bombings in Ukraine. The capital of Ukraine, Kiev, and its region were targeted by Russian attacks on the night of Saturday, May 23rd, to Sunday, May 24th. These attacks involved massive and coordinated strikes with missiles and drones from Russia, with casualties reported. The toll included at least four deaths and dozens of injuries. Prior to these deadly attacks, another attack initiated from Ukraine targeted a high school in a region occupied by Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin had promised a military response to such attacks.
Explosions were heard late at night in Kiev, and fires were still burning the next morning. The nighttime missile and drone attacks resulted in at least four deaths, including a young child, and 60 injuries.
The Ukrainian military had warned on Telegram that the capital was under a “massive attack” with nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles employed. Russian missiles targeted various civilian infrastructures, prompting President Zelensky to remark, “They are really insane.”
Russia admitted to the strike using the nuclear-capable missile, Orechnik, calling it a response to Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Russia. France and Italy swiftly condemned the attacks, emphasizing Moscow’s escalation of aggression.
Overall, allies of Kiev swiftly condemned the use of the ballistic missile Orechnik with nuclear capability, highlighting concerns about the intensifying conflict in the region.
