Kyiv Region Attack: What Happened on May 24, 2025
On May 24, 2025, Russian forces launched a strike on the Kyiv region using an RS-26 'Rubezh' intermediate-range ballistic missile, also known as the 'Oreshnik.' The attack caused confirmed damage in the Bila Tserkva district, where civilian and commercial structures—including a local enterprise building and a garage cooperative—were hit. While Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed the strike targeted military sites, no evidence has supported that assertion.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that 'Oreshnik,' 'Iskander,' 'Kinzhal,' and 'Zircon' missiles were used, alleging they struck military command centers, airbases, and defense industry facilities. However, according to the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, only non-military infrastructure was destroyed in the attack.
A deep crater was left at the impact site. Each 'Oreshnik' missile is estimated to cost between $30 and $50 million, with some Western analysts pegging the total launch cost as high as $90 to $150 million. The missile used in this strike did not carry a nuclear warhead.
Presidential Warning and Aftermath
A day before the assault, on May 23, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—citing intelligence from the U.S. and European partners—warned of a potential Russian strike involving the 'Oreshnik.' The subsequent overnight combined bombardment of Kyiv left a significant number of wounded, with the final casualty count nearly doubling earlier morning reports.
The Russian Defense Ministry publicized what it called a 'successful' strike, stating:
'The following missiles were used, including the Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon. The targets hit included military command facilities, airbases, and defense industry enterprises.'Yet, social media users mocked these claims with sarcastic remarks like '100500 Nazis destroyed, 500 NATO instructors, and ten NATO generals eliminated,' highlighting the perceived ineffectiveness of the missile attack.
In short, the latest Russian assault on the Kyiv region resulted in extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, despite official assertions of successful military strikes.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns for civilian safety in wartime Ukraine, as attacks on non-military sites become more frequent. The response from Ukrainian officials to the missile threat highlights the continued need for international defense and security support.
The recent missile strike on the Kyiv region is reminiscent of another devastating attack that occurred recently, where a swarm of drones targeted the city, resulting in casualties and significant destruction. Such incidents highlight the ongoing threats to civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. For a closer look at the implications of these aerial assaults, explore more about the drone strike that left one dead and damaged buildings in Kyiv.