The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed a large-scale missile attack on Ukrainian territory, employing various types of weaponry, including the “Oreshnik” missile. This announcement was made via the ministry’s official Telegram channel.
According to the Russian defense officials, the strikes were purportedly a response to alleged “terrorist attacks by Ukraine on civilian targets within Russia.” The ministry claimed that the assault involved the use of several missile systems, including “Iskander,” “Kinzhal,” and “Tsirkon,” as well as cruise missiles launched from air, sea, and ground platforms, in addition to attack drones.
The stated objectives of the strikes included military command facilities, air bases, and enterprises within Ukraine’s defense industry. The Russian side asserted that all designated targets were successfully hit.
On May 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Ukrainian intelligence had received information from American and European partners regarding Russia’s preparations for a strike using the “Oreshnik” ballistic missile.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine reported receiving warnings about a “potentially significant air attack” that could occur within the next 24 hours. In the early hours of May 24, the Russian military launched a coordinated assault on Kyiv using drones and missiles. Zelensky emphasized that the Russian forces employed various types of missiles and drones, targeting civilian infrastructure.
The President also noted that the enemy had deployed strike assets in other regions, including the confirmed use of the “Oreshnik” missile towards Bila Tserkva. Additionally, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that throughout the night, air defense units detected a total of 690 aerial attack assets, comprising 90 missiles and 600 drones of various types.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed a significant missile strike against Ukraine, citing a response to alleged Ukrainian attacks. The assault involved multiple missile systems and drones, targeting military and civilian infrastructure across various regions.