Russia launches Oreshnik missile at Kyiv; EU condemns
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- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia deployed its "Oreshnik" intermediate‑range ballistic missile in the Kyiv region.
- Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the launch, framing it as retaliation for alleged Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets, which Kyiv denied.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack as a "reckless escalation" and reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine.
- French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the use of the nuclear‑capable Oreshnik missile, calling it a sign of deadlock and dangerous escalation, and pledged continued French support for Ukraine and peace.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the assault demonstrated the Kremlin’s brutality, called terror “not strength but desperation,” and announced EU assistance will focus on strengthening Ukraine’s air‑defence.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the strikes as “abhorrent acts of terror” and singled out the Oreshnik missile as “reckless nuclear brinkmanship,” noting Russia has reached a military dead end.
- Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a total of 90 missiles and cruise missiles as part of a large‑scale overnight offensive.
Why it matters: EU leaders’ unified denunciation and pledge to boost Ukraine’s air‑defence tighten Kyiv’s defensive posture, while Russia’s launch of a long‑range, nuclear‑capable Oreshnik missile signals a stark escalation that widens the threat envelope across Europe and underscores Moscow’s strategic desperation overall.
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