On the night of 24 May, the Russian army launched a nuclear missile without a warhead. Adviser to the Minister of Defence Serhiy Sternenko said that the launch was aimed at intimidating Ukraine and the world. At the same time, the occupiers destroyed civilian facilities in Kyiv, including Lukyanivsky Market and the Kvadrat shopping centre.
Basic context
Advisor to the Minister of Defence of Ukraine Serhiy Sternenko reported, that on the night of 24 May Russian army launches nuclear missile without warhead. According to him, in this way, the occupiers tried to intimidate Ukrainians and the international community.
Sternenko also said that the Russians during this massive of a combined attack on Kyiv and Kyiv region killed and injured civilians, burned down the Lukianivka market and the Kvadrat shopping centre, and attacked a recreation centre.
Details of the attack and its perception
Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation Andriy Kovalenko commented that the attack on Kyiv and Kyiv region was partly aimed at creating a visual effect. He emphasised that Russia's strategic targets are under constant attack, and that the crisis in Russian air defence is being exacerbated by the successful actions of the Ukrainian military.
Kovalenko confirmed that the occupiers used the so-called “Wunderwaffe” during the attack, probably referring to a “Hazelnut” - a medium-range ballistic missile that has caused alarm in the Ukrainian Air Force across the country.
Monitoring communities reported that this missile was launched at Kyiv region. The network also suggested that a nuclear missile without a warhead could have hit Bila Tserkva district, as the videos published show the missile splitting into several warheads, a characteristic feature of the Oreshnyk. There is currently no official confirmation of this information.
Global implications and intimidation tactics
The launch of a nuclear missile without a warhead is indicative of Russia's tactics aimed at psychological pressure and intimidation of both the Ukrainian population and the international community. This demonstrates the escalation of the military confrontation and the use of mass fear by the Russian Federation.
At the same time, the attacks on civilian targets in Kyiv are intended to create additional visual and moral pressure, Kovalenko said. He stressed that such actions are taking place against the backdrop of Russia's inability to protect even its own strategic targets, including Moscow.
In summary, these events reflect an escalation in warfare, where the use of missile capabilities is combined with psychological operations to increase fear and destabilise.
This incident once again demonstrates the need for a vigilant and effective air defence system in Ukraine, as well as the growing importance of international support in countering Russia's aggression.
