European leaders condemn ‘escalation’
European leaders swiftly denounced the attack, particularly Russia’s use of the Oreshnik missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and has a range of several thousand kilometers.
Kaja Kallas accused Moscow of engaging in “reckless nuclear brinkmanship” and using the missile as a political intimidation tactic.
Britain and Germany also described the use of the missile as a dangerous escalation in the conflict, now entering its fifth year.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the strikes were retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets inside Russia. Moscow claimed it had targeted military command centers, intelligence facilities, air bases, and defense-industrial infrastructure using Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon missiles.
Ukraine denies targeting civilians in Russia and says Moscow continues to deliberately strike civilian infrastructure in Ukrainian cities.
The assault also caused minor damage to Ukraine’s cabinet building and the Foreign Ministry headquarters. Cultural institutions suffered heavily, including Kyiv’s national art museum and philharmonic hall, both located in the city center.
“This is a war against our culture, memory, and identity,” said Kyrylo Budanov. “For centuries, Moscow has tried to destroy everything that makes us Ukrainian.”
One strike destroyed a newly opened museum dedicated to the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster, drawing anger from Ukrainian officials.
