Russia announced on March 15, 2024, that it deployed the new Oreshnik hypersonic missile in a large-scale attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that at least four individuals lost their lives, and more than 22 others sustained injuries during the strikes in the capital, Kyiv. Russian military sources indicated that the missile targeted a significant underground natural gas storage facility in the western Lviv region, although specific details regarding the missile’s impact remain unconfirmed.
The measure was characterized by Russia’s Defense Ministry as retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone strike that purportedly targeted President Vladimir Putin‘s residence last month. Both Ukraine and President Trump have rejected this claim, asserting that there was no such attack. According to reports from Reuters, Russia’s assault involved not only the Oreshnik missile but also an array of attack drones and precision-guided long-range weapons launched from land and sea.
Ukrainian air force officials reported that the offensive included a total of 242 drones and 36 missiles, of which Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepted 226 drones and half of the missiles. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, stated that the attack involved a ballistic missile that reportedly traveled at a speed exceeding 13,000 kilometers (more than 8,000 miles) per hour. An investigation is underway to determine the specific type of missile used in the assault.
Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
The overnight strikes resulted in significant damage and casualties, including the death of an emergency medical aid worker. Rescue efforts were hampered, with five responders injured while attending to the aftermath of the attack. Various districts in Kyiv experienced direct hits; in the Desnyanskyi district, a drone crashed onto a multi-story building’s roof, while another residential structure sustained damage on its lower floors. Furthermore, in the Dnipro district, debris from a drone caused damage to a multistory building, igniting a fire.
The attacks disrupted essential services, with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting that running water and electricity were affected in parts of the capital. These strikes occurred shortly after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned the nation of an impending large-scale Russian offensive, suggesting that Russia aimed to exploit the icy conditions affecting roads and infrastructure in Kyiv.
Global Reactions and Security Concerns
The introduction of the Oreshnik missile into combat marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with implications for regional security. The missile, which can carry both conventional and nuclear payloads, was first tested in November 2024. President Putin has touted its capabilities, claiming that its multiple warheads can penetrate defenses at speeds up to ten times that of sound, making it difficult to intercept.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed grave concerns about the missile’s proximity to European Union and NATO borders, labeling it a serious threat to continental security. He called for decisive responses from the international community to counter Russia’s escalating military actions.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the implications of these strikes and the use of advanced weaponry like the Oreshnik will likely shape both regional and transatlantic security dynamics.
