It was a harrowing weekend in Kyiv as Russia launched a massive, coordinated wave of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's capital. Starting late Saturday, May 23, the city and its surrounding regions were pelted by a combined assault that has left the community reeling. 🚨
According to reports, the attack involved a staggering 600 drones and 90 missiles of various types, launched from land, sea, and air platforms. The human cost has been devastating, with at least four people killed and over 83 others injured. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko shared that 30 people in the city alone had to be hospitalized after the strikes. 🏥
The damage wasn't just limited to military targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media to highlight the chaos, noting that Russian missiles hit local water supply infrastructure and sparked fires in several markets. Dozens of residential buildings and several schools were also damaged, disrupting the lives of countless families. 🏙️
One of the most alarming details? The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile. While this high-tech missile can carry nuclear warheads, there is no indication that a nuclear payload was used this time. This isn't the first time the Oreshnik has appeared on the battlefield, with previous strikes recorded in November 2024 and January 2026. ⚡
But why now? Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the attack was retaliation for three waves of drone strikes that allegedly hit a school in the Luhansk region, causing heavy casualties. He insisted there were no military facilities nearby. On the other side, Ukraine has firmly denied these accusations, stating that its military strictly follows international humanitarian law and only targets military facilities. ⚖️
As of today, the tension remains high with Russian drones still being detected in Ukrainian airspace. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this escalation. 🌍💬✨
Reference(s):
Russia launches massive strike on Kyiv, uses Oreshnik missile
cgtn.com
