Russia fires new hypersonic missile in attack on Ukraine, Kremlin says

Russia said it used its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile in an attack on Ukraine, and framed the strike as a response to an alleged attempted drone attack on a presidential residence; Ukraine has denied the claim and U.S. officials expressed doubt.

Russia said it used its new hypersonic Oreshnik missile in a recent strike on Ukraine and described the action as a response to an alleged Ukrainian drone attempt on a presidential residence. Kyiv has denied the allegation, and U.S. officials have expressed skepticism about the Kremlin's account. Ukrainian authorities reported damage and civilian casualties after the strikes. International response and verification of specific claims remain limited. Key points: - Russian officials announced use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile in the attack. - The Kremlin said the strike was retaliation for an alleged drone attempt on a presidential residence; Ukrainian officials denied that claim. - U.S. and other officials publicly questioned the Kremlin's account. - Ukrainian authorities reported infrastructure damage and civilian deaths; specific figures are being assessed. - A U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated that diplomatic efforts remain the stated path toward resolving the conflict. Summary: Russian authorities reported the use of a new hypersonic missile and framed the attack as retaliatory, while Ukrainian and U.S. officials disputed that narrative and Ukrainian officials reported harm to civilians and infrastructure. Undetermined at this time.