preCharge News POLITICS — Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Kyiv since the beginning of the war, firing hundreds of drones and missiles — including the rare Oreshnik hypersonic missile — in an overnight barrage that killed multiple people and wounded dozens. Ukrainian officials said residential buildings, schools and critical infrastructure suffered extensive damage as emergency crews responded across the capital and surrounding areas.

Russia Launches One of the Largest Air Assaults of the War

Russia carried out a prolonged overnight bombardment of Kyiv and surrounding regions, intensifying its military campaign against Ukraine in one of the heaviest attacks since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

According to Ukrainian officials, the attack included:

• Approximately 600 drones
• Around 90 missiles
• Multiple missile systems deployed simultaneously
• Strikes targeting Kyiv and nearby cities

The overnight assault resulted in fatalities and injuries across multiple regions, while emergency teams worked to extinguish fires and rescue civilians from damaged structures.

Residential Buildings and Schools Sustain Heavy Damage

Officials said the strikes damaged:

• Residential apartment buildings
• Educational facilities and schools
• Commercial properties
• Transportation infrastructure
• Public service facilities

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the situation as a devastating night for residents as rescue teams continued operations.

Rare Oreshnik Missile Used Near Kyiv for Third Time

One of the most significant developments was Russia’s reported use of the Oreshnik missile system, a weapon Moscow has deployed only a limited number of times since the war began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the missile struck near Bila Tserkva, located south of Kyiv.

What Is the Oreshnik Missile?

The Oreshnik missile has drawn significant attention because of its reported capabilities:

• Hypersonic speed exceeding Mach 10
• Range of several thousand kilometers
• Capability to carry a nuclear payload
• Claimed difficulty of interception

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously argued the weapon is extremely difficult to intercept due to its speed and flight characteristics.

Kyiv Residents Seek Shelter as Explosions Rock the Capital

Explosions reportedly began shortly after early-morning air alerts, sending residents underground to seek protection.

Many civilians gathered in Kyiv metro stations as waves of explosions continued for several hours.

Emergency Teams Continue Rescue Operations

As daylight emerged, the aftermath revealed widespread destruction across parts of Kyiv:

• Fires burning across several districts
• Collapsed building facades
• Damaged government structures
• Smoke spreading across the skyline

Emergency personnel continued clearing debris and evacuating victims.

Russia and Ukraine Continue Exchanging Accusations

Russian officials said the strikes were aimed at military and defense-related facilities, including:

• Military command centers
• Air bases
• Defense production infrastructure
• Intelligence facilities

Ukraine rejected Moscow’s characterization and has repeatedly denied targeting civilians.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy called for stronger international responses and warned against allowing the strikes to occur without consequences.

International Pressure May Intensify

The latest escalation could renew pressure on Western allies to increase:

• Air defense assistance
• Military aid packages
• Sanctions measures
• Diplomatic pressure against Moscow

The attack comes as the war enters another critical phase with both sides continuing major military operations.

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Associated Press, CNBC News, Fox News, and preCharge News contributed to this report.