Russia Confirms Using Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missile On Ukraine, EU Calls Move Reckless
Russia Confirms Using Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missile On Ukraine, EU Calls Move Reckless Published By, Last Updated: May 24, 2026, 16:22 IST Ukraine said Russia launched
Russia Confirms Using Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missile On Ukraine, EU Calls Move Reckless Published By, Last Updated: May 24, 2026, 16:22 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. Rescuers operate at the site of a heavily damaged building as smoke rises following Russian strikes in Kyiv on May 24, 2026. (AFP photo) Russia on Sunday confirmed it used a nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile during a large overnight assault on Ukraine. The strikes killed at least four people and left dozens injured. 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. 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russians had fired a nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile in the barrage. 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. Zelenskyy also 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. “They are genuinely deranged," he said.
EU 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. “Russia hit a dead-end on the battlefield, so it terrorizes Ukraine with deliberate strikes on city centres. These are abhorrent acts of terror meant to kill as many civilians as possible," Kallas wrote on X. Russia hit a dead-end on the battlefield, so it terrorizes Ukraine with deliberate strikes on city centres.These are abhorrent acts of terror meant to kill as many civilians as possible. Moscow reportedly using Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles – systems designed… — Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) May 24, 2026 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".
“Moscow reportedly using Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles – systems designed to carry nuclear warheads – is a political scare-tactic and reckless nuclear-brinkmanship," she added. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Russia First Published: May 24, 2026, 16:12 IST News world Russia Confirms Using Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missile On Ukraine, EU Calls Move Reckless Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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