Russian armed forces launched one of the heaviest combined attacks on Ukraine on Saturday night, May 24, 2024 [1].
The scale of the strike demonstrates Russia's intent to pressure the Ukrainian government and showcase its most advanced weaponry to deter Western support. By utilizing a variety of delivery systems, the Kremlin aims to overwhelm air defense networks and degrade critical infrastructure.
Reports indicate the assault involved more than 300 missiles and 200 drones [2]. The strike targeted multiple locations across the country, with major impacts reported over Kyiv and its surrounding regions [3].
Among the weapons used was one Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile [3]. This deployment marks a significant escalation in the types of munitions used during the conflict, combining high-speed hypersonic technology with traditional drone and missile swarms.
Russian forces conducted the operation from air, sea, and land platforms [1]. The combined nature of the attack is designed to complicate the response of Ukrainian interceptors by forcing them to engage multiple threats from different vectors simultaneously.
Officials said the intensified campaign is part of a broader strategy to demonstrate advanced weapons capability [4]. The use of the Oreshnik missile, in particular, serves as a signal regarding Russia's strategic arsenal.
“Russian forces deployed over 500 weapons, including a hypersonic Oreshnik missile.”
The deployment of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile during a mass-scale strike indicates a shift toward integrating strategic, high-velocity weapons into tactical operations. This approach not only tests the limits of Ukrainian air defenses but also serves as a psychological tool to warn international allies against increasing their military support for Kyiv.
