In an overnight operation that Ukrainian officials say took place on 24/05/2026, Russia conducted a heavy barrage against targets in Ukraine, with the capital, Kyiv, bearing the greatest impact. Authorities reported that the strike included the use of a powerful Oreshnik missile, a weapon described in official statements as capable of causing significant damage. Local emergency services and hospital staff scrambled through the night, and at least two people were reported killed in the attacks. The scale of the operation and the specific mention of the Oreshnik missile have drawn particular attention from both domestic and international observers.
The assault has been characterized by Ukrainian officials as one of the most intense overnight operations since the start of the conflict. Observers emphasized that this event is notable not only for its timing but for the apparent choice of munitions and the concentration of strikes on central areas of the capital. Descriptions by officials highlight disruptions to civilian life, infrastructure strain and the sudden need for search-and-rescue efforts across affected neighborhoods. The accounts underscore how an overnight barrage can amplify shock and logistical challenges for emergency responders during the darkest hours.
Impact on Kyiv and immediate consequences
The physical and human toll in Kyiv was
