A series of reciprocal military actions between Russia and Ukraine have unfolded, involving the deployment of advanced weaponry and strikes on energy infrastructure. Reports detail a pattern of attacks and counter-attacks, with both sides citing military objectives and specific incidents as justification.
Oreshnik Missile Deployment
Russia has deployed its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile against targets in Ukraine on multiple occasions.
- Reported Uses: The missile has been used in attacks on the city of Dnipro (November 2024) and Lviv (January 2026). A strike near Kyiv was also reported on May 24, 2026.
- Specifications: Analysts describe the Oreshnik as a medium-range ballistic missile with an estimated range of up to 5,500 kilometers. It is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, though reports indicate it has been used with non-explosive dummy warheads or "kinetic penetrators" that rely on high impact velocity for destruction. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated the missile travels at speeds exceeding Mach 10, making it difficult to intercept.
- Strategic Context: The use of the missile has been characterized by Western officials as a significant escalation, particularly due to its deployment near NATO borders. Russia's Defense Ministry stated a January 2026 strike against Lviv was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Putin's residence, a claim denied by Ukrainian and U.S. officials. Analysts suggest the weapon's use is partly for strategic signaling.
"Analysts describe the Oreshnik as a medium-range ballistic missile with an estimated range of up to 5,500 kilometers. It is capable of carrying nuclear warheads."
Major Drone and Missile Barrages
Both Russia and Ukraine have conducted large-scale aerial attacks, overwhelming air defense systems.
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Russian Attacks on Ukraine: Reports describe a pattern of Russian missile and drone barrages targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and urban areas, particularly during winter months.
- A June 2024 attack involved 611 drones and 70 missiles, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles, according to UK officials.
- Attacks in January 2026 involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the Oreshnik. These strikes caused fatalities, injuries, and widespread power outages in Kyiv and other cities. Ukraine reported a shortage of interceptor missiles prevented it from shooting down ballistic missiles during a February attack that killed 19 people.
- In May 2026, an attack on Kyiv killed four and injured at least 20, which Ukrainian officials stated was a retaliation for a Ukrainian strike in Luhansk.
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Ukrainian Drone Operations Against Russia: Ukraine has conducted a record number of long-range drone strikes against military and energy facilities within Russia.
- In June 2026, Ukraine launched a record number of drones. Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting 660 drones on June 26, the largest single attack reported since the war began.
- These strikes have targeted oil refineries, pumping stations, and depots across multiple Russian regions, including Moscow, Yaroslavl, and Krasnodar Krai. The Moscow Oil Refinery was struck multiple times, leading to a reported suspension of operations for an extended period.
- Ukrainian officials state these operations aim to disrupt the funding of Russia's military operations. Russia reported intercepting hundreds of Ukrainian drones across various regions on multiple nights.
Damage and Casualties
- Civilian Impact in Ukraine: The United Nations has reported significant civilian casualties. May 2026 was recorded as one of the deadliest months for civilians since April 2022, with at least 274 killed and 1,763 wounded. The UN has confirmed at least 16,126 civilian deaths since February 2022. Extensive damage has been reported to residential buildings, cultural heritage sites (including UNESCO World Heritage sites), and energy infrastructure, leading to power and heating outages.
- Military and Industrial Targets: Both sides have reported striking military targets. Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, air defense systems, and ammunition storage sites. Russia has targeted Ukrainian energy facilities, drone manufacturing sites, and military command points.
"May 2026 was recorded as one of the deadliest months for civilians since April 2022, with at least 274 killed and 1,763 wounded."
Diplomatic and Legal Context
- United Nations: The U.S., UK, and Ukraine have used UN Security Council meetings to condemn Russian attacks. The U.S. has urged Russia to de-escalate and negotiate. Russia has blamed Ukraine for the diplomatic impasse. Ukraine has convened emergency UN Security Council and NATO-Ukraine Council meetings following strikes.
- International Response: Leaders of the UK, France, and Germany described Russia's use of the Oreshnik missile as "escalatory and unacceptable." The U.S. issued a temporary license permitting the purchase of Russian oil stuck at sea to stabilize global energy prices. Ukraine has urged tougher sanctions on Russia.
- Legal Proceedings: Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has launched an investigation into the use of the Oreshnik missile against civilian infrastructure as a potential war crime.