Zelensky Calls for International Consequences Following Oreshnik Strike and Mass Kyiv Attack

On May 25, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to press Western partners for stronger international consequences following Russia's unprecedented May 24 mass attack on Kyiv — 600 Shahed drones plus 90 missiles, and the third wartime use of the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile (nuclear-capable) against Bila Tserkva, 50 km south of the capital. Zelensky stated: 'Russia tried to destroy not only life, but also memory' — referencing the damage to the Chornobyl Museum (which lost 40%+ of its collection), the National Art Museum, Kyiv Opera Theater, Ukrainian House, Cabinet of Ministers building, and Foreign Ministry. The May 24 attack killed at least 4 people and injured ~100, with damage to every district of Kyiv. Zelensky attended the reburial ceremony of Andriy Melnyk, a significant Ukrainian nationalist leader, at the National Military Cemetery in Kyiv alongside top Ukrainian leadership — a nationally significant ceremony held amid active Russian bombardment of the capital. He also thanked Belarusian opposition leader Tikhanovskaya for her reaction to the Russian strike. The EU and Germany condemned the May 24 strikes as 'acts of terror.'