Lucky Choudhary
Washington Reporter, DeepState News Network (DNN)
Washington, D.C. | May 24, 2026
Moscow's Oreshnik Strike Marks Major Escalation as Hundreds of Drones and Missiles Target Ukraine
Russia used its powerful Oreshnik intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile during the attack, marking only the third known combat use of the weapon. Designed to carry conventional or nuclear warheads, the missile travels at extreme speeds and follows a trajectory that makes interception extremely difficult.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the missile landed near the city of Bila Tserkva in central Ukraine and accused Moscow of deliberately escalating the conflict.
"They're really out of their minds. It's vital that this doesn't go unpunished for Russia," Zelensky stated.
MASSIVE BARRAGE OVER KYIV
According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russia launched approximately 600 drones and 90 missiles overnight. Air-defense systems intercepted the majority of incoming weapons, but several ballistic missiles penetrated defenses and struck targets in and around Kyiv.
Officials reported at least four deaths, while emergency crews continued searching through damaged residential and educational buildings.
EUROPEAN LEADERS CONDEMN ATTACK
The attack drew immediate criticism from European leaders.
Emmanuel Macron called the use of the Oreshnik missile a significant escalation of Russia's military campaign.
Friedrich Merz described the strike as "reckless" and reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas accused Moscow of engaging in dangerous nuclear brinkmanship by deploying a missile system capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
DISPUTE OVER STAROBILSK STRIKE
The missile barrage followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's promise to retaliate after a deadly drone strike in Russian-occupied Starobilsk, located in eastern Ukraine's Luhansk region.
Russian authorities claimed Ukrainian drones hit a college dormitory, killing multiple civilians. Ukraine denied targeting civilians and said its operations were directed exclusively at military facilities, including a command center used by Russia's elite drone warfare unit known as the Rubicon Center.
FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY IN UKRAINE
As explosions illuminated Kyiv's night sky, thousands of residents rushed into underground shelters.
Many spent hours in metro stations while emergency services responded to fires and structural damage across the capital.
The latest assault underscores the continuing intensity of the conflict and raises concerns that increasingly sophisticated weapons could further widen the war's scope.
INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE GROWS
President Zelensky renewed calls for stronger action from Ukraine's allies, urging the United States and Europe to increase pressure on Moscow.
With the deployment of advanced hypersonic missile technology and continuing large-scale attacks on civilian areas, analysts warn that the conflict may be entering a more dangerous phase.
DeepState News Network (DNN), Washington Bureau
Reporting by Lucky Choudhary
