Zelenskiy said intelligence warnings of a possible massive Russian strike on Ukraine remain active and urged residents to closely follow air raid alerts.
24/7 defenses are in place, he said, though he framed readiness around supplies currently available, underscoring strain on Ukraine's air-defense capacity.
Russia last week said it would carry out systematic strikes on Kyiv targets tied to the military and decision-making centers, while urging foreigners to leave.
A day earlier, Russian forces hit Kyiv with one of the heaviest bombardments since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, sharpening fears of a broader new assault.
With new 1,700km missiles, can Ukraine now dictate the war's outcome by striking deep inside Russia?
Has Ukraine's drone warfare created a new playbook for how smaller nations can defeat superpowers?
After four years of brutal attrition, which side is truly closer to economic and military collapse?
Russia’s $361 Million Missile and Drone Strike on Kyiv: The May 2026 Oreshnik Attack and Its Strategic Fallout
Overview
On May 23-24, 2026, Russia launched its largest missile and drone attack of the year on Kyiv, causing a major escalation in the conflict. The strike led to 21 people, including two children, being hospitalized, and emergency services worked nonstop for two days to save lives and clear debris. The attack was costly, with Russia spending hundreds of millions of dollars, partly due to the use of the advanced Oreshnik missile. This event highlighted both the severe human impact and the increasing use of sophisticated weaponry, raising concerns about the future of the conflict and the strain on Ukraine’s defenses.