Ukraine: Putin's 'Reckless' Oreshnik Missile Strike Condemned Globally
Russia's Kyiv attack sparks outrage, with accusations of nuclear brinkmanship.
Top Summary
- What happened: Russia launched a deadly missile attack on Kyiv, reportedly using an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile.
- Why it matters: The EU accuses Putin of "reckless nuclear brinkmanship" and deliberately targeting civilians.
- What changes: The attack intensifies international pressure on Russia and could lead to further sanctions.
- Who is affected: Civilians in Kyiv and surrounding regions, and potentially Belarusian leader Lukashenko.
Kyiv Attacked with Advanced Missile
Russia's latest attack on Ukraine involved the use of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The EU's foreign policy chief condemned the strike as "reckless nuclear brinkmanship." The missile is designed to carry nuclear warheads.
International Condemnation
Kaja Kallas wrote on X, that Russia is resorting to terror tactics because it "hit a dead-end on the battlefield."
Macron warned Belarusian leader Lukashenko to stay out of the war, according to sources.
"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," - Kaja Kallas
Casualties and Damage
The attack on Kyiv and its surrounding region resulted in at least four deaths and approximately 100 injuries.
This marks the third time Russia has used the powerful hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in strikes against Ukraine, according to Jennifer Rankin.
Zelenskyy's Reaction
Zelenskyy described Moscow’s latest strikes as hitting Kyiv the hardest, stating, “They are genuinely deranged” on Telegram.
Russia's actions have been labeled as "abhorrent acts of terror" meant to kill civilians.
What to Watch Next
The international community will likely debate further sanctions against Russia. Focus will also be on whether Belarus becomes more involved in the conflict following Macron's warning to Lukashenko.