Russia carried out a powerful overnight attack on Ukraine, killing at least four people and injuring 25 others in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. The large-scale assault lasted nearly five hours and involved a mix of drones and missiles, including the use of Russia’s new and highly dangerous Oreshnik missile for the first time in western Ukraine.
The attack has raised serious concerns across Europe, as one of the missiles struck close to Poland, a NATO and European Union member state. Ukrainian leaders say the strike sends a clear message that the war is expanding beyond Ukraine’s borders in its impact and risks.
Heavy Overnight Bombardment Across Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities said Russia launched more than 240 drones and 36 missiles during the overnight assault. Major cities including Kyiv, Lviv, and other regions were targeted. Residential buildings, civilian infrastructure, and energy facilities were hit, causing fires, damage, and casualties.
In Kyiv, emergency crews worked through the night to rescue people trapped under rubble. Hospitals treated dozens of injured civilians, including women and elderly residents. Power outages were reported in several areas as missile strikes damaged key infrastructure.
“This was one of the most intense attacks in recent months,” a Ukrainian emergency official said. “Russia deliberately targeted areas where civilians live.”
Explosions Near the EU Border
Social media videos posted shortly before midnight showed massive explosions outside Lviv, a city located less than 70 kilometers from the European Union border. The blasts could be heard across nearby towns, creating panic among residents.
Later, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the Oreshnik missile struck the region. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi described the event as unprecedented.
“The air target moved along a ballistic path at a speed of about 13,000 kilometers per hour,” Sadovyi said. “This is the first time this type of missile has been used against Lviv since the war began.”
He warned that the strike was not just an attack on Ukraine but a signal to Europe. “This is a clear message to our international partners that Russia’s war knows no borders,” he said.
What Is the Oreshnik Missile?
The Oreshnik missile is a new Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile that was first shown publicly in November 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised it as a breakthrough weapon.
According to Russian claims:
The missile has a range of about 5,000 kilometers
It travels at extremely high speeds, making it hard to intercept
It can carry a conventional warhead with destruction similar to nuclear weapons
Russian state media have claimed the missile could reach Poland in 11 minutes and NATO headquarters in Brussels in 17 minutes, although these claims have not been independently verified.
Military experts say the use of such a missile in Ukraine marks a serious escalation and increases risks for neighboring countries.
Russia’s Explanation for the Attack
Russia’s Defence Ministry did not reveal the exact target of the Oreshnik missile. However, in a statement, it said the strike was a response to an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in late December.
Ukraine has strongly denied this claim, calling it false and unproven.
The ministry stated that the operation targeted:
Drone production facilities
Energy infrastructure
Sites supporting Ukraine’s military industry
“The strike’s objectives were achieved,” the statement said.
Ukraine, however, insists that civilian areas were deliberately targeted and that Russia’s explanation does not match the damage on the ground.
Ukraine Seeks Urgent International Action
In response to the strike, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced that Kyiv is urgently calling meetings of both the UN Security Council and the Ukraine-NATO Council.
“The use of a new ballistic missile near NATO borders is extremely dangerous,” Sybiha said. “This is not just about Ukraine’s security—it is about Europe’s security.”
Ukrainian officials are asking allies for:
Stronger air defense systems
Faster military support
Clear warnings to Russia against further escalation
Growing Fear in Europe
The strike near Poland has caused concern among European leaders. While no damage was reported inside Poland, officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Security analysts warn that using advanced missiles so close to NATO territory increases the risk of miscalculation or wider conflict.
“This attack shows how close the war is to the European Union,” one analyst said. “Any mistake could have serious consequences.”
Impact on Civilians
For ordinary Ukrainians, the attack brought fear, loss, and destruction. Families spent the night in shelters as air raid sirens sounded for hours. In damaged neighborhoods, people searched through debris for personal belongings.
A Kyiv resident said, “We hear explosions almost every week, but this felt different. It was louder, longer, and more terrifying.”
Human rights groups continue to accuse Russia of targeting civilian areas, a claim Moscow denies.
