Russia Strikes Kyiv with Oreshnik and Terrifying Missiles
Highly alarming and intense reports continue to emerge from the Ukrainian battlefield. Overnight into Sunday, Russian forces launched one of the most powerful and destructive air attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and its surrounding areas since the start of the war. This attack differed fundamentally from previous ones in terms of scale and the types of weapons used—a rain of hundreds of drones and advanced missiles fell upon the civilian city.
According to official Ukrainian sources, the only thing not used in the capital's skies during this horrific night was nuclear weaponry. We analyze the details of this critical situation and the international community's response.
An arsenal of terrifying weapons in the skies over Kyiv
In this attack, Russia showcased its most modern and hypersonic weapons. Alongside terrifying missiles like the Kinzhal, Iskander, and Zircon, the new Oreshnik ballistic missile, considered Putin's pride, was also deployed.
Reports indicate that this missile landed in the Belaya Tserkov district of the Kyiv region. The powerful impact caused serious damage to ordinary garages and private property. On social media, locals are sharing sarcastic videos, saying, 'The missile hit Uncle Sasha's car repair shop, so I guess that uncle is the one making all the strategic decisions.' Ukrainian outlets claim that two Oreshnik missiles were actually fired that night, but one went off course and fell in territory controlled by Russia itself.
The true cause of the attack and the destruction
Although the Russian Ministry of Defense describes these massive strikes as a 'response to the Ukrainian attack on a student dormitory,' experts view it as another act of revenge for the large-scale drone attacks carried out against Moscow.
Scale of the damage:
Infrastructure: Powerful explosions occurred in dozens of areas in Kyiv. The strikes damaged water supply facilities, social infrastructure, schools, and markets.
Cultural heritage: The shelling also damaged the National Art Museum of Ukraine and the Kyiv Opera House.
Rapid defense: Because Ukrainian military forces have become adept at shooting down Iranian drones, the 'mopeds' did not cause significant damage; however, a shortage of ammunition in air defense systems hindered the interception of ballistic missiles.
Are 'decision-making centers' the target?
The Russian Foreign Ministry and system officials announced that Moscow's patience has run out and that future strikes may be directed at 'decision-making centers,' including areas where Zelensky's office is located. The Kremlin urged foreign citizens to leave Kyiv immediately and called on locals to stay away from military facilities.
Pro-war figures in Russia and politicians like Dmitry Medvedev have welcomed these brutal attacks with great joy, demanding even more intense strikes. However, many political analysts believe that such fierce bombardment actually indicates that things are not going well for Russia on the front line. Since rapid advancement has become difficult due to drones, Putin may have reverted to intimidation tactics using terrifying missiles.
Weakness in the international arena and a new reality
Most tragically, the international community is unable to provide a significant reaction to these horrific attacks. The Trump administration, having come to power in the US, is occupied with Middle Eastern and Iranian issues and has eased some oil-related restrictions on Russia. This is bringing billions in additional revenue to the Russian budget at a time when oil prices are rising. Europe, due to cooling relations with the US, is unable to take decisive measures against the Kremlin.
Today, it feels as if international legal norms have almost lost their power in the world. A systemless era has emerged where whoever has more power and weapons does whatever they want. This turn of events leaves Ukraine alone with its limited capabilities. When and how the flames of this terrible war will die out remains unknown.
