Hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeted multiple areas of Kyiv, raising fears of a deeper escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war.
May 24, 2026: Russia launched a massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, marking one of the most intense attacks seen in recent months. The overnight strikes reportedly involved hypersonic and cruise missiles along with a large wave of drones aimed at several parts of the city. Multiple explosions were heard across Kyiv, triggering fires, destruction, and panic among residents as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming threats.
Ukrainian authorities described the attack as one of the heaviest assaults since the war began in 2022. Reports indicated casualties and injuries, while residential buildings and critical infrastructure suffered damage in several districts. Emergency teams were deployed across affected areas as rescue and firefighting operations continued following the strikes.
The latest attack is believed to be linked to recent Ukrainian operations targeting Russian-held territories, including incidents that reportedly caused civilian and student casualties. The escalation has further increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine, fueling concerns that the conflict may enter an even more destructive phase. The large-scale use of advanced missiles and drone warfare also reflects the growing intensity and unpredictability of the ongoing war.