ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Russia Launches Largest Missile Attack on Kyiv of War

other · 2026-05-24

In a major escalation of hostilities, Russia executed its most extensive aerial bombardment of Kyiv to date, deploying a total of 44 missiles, including 20 Iskander-M ballistic missiles. The barrage targeted vital military sites like the Artem Defence Plant, known for producing air-to-air missiles, where significant fires erupted as reported by NASA FIRMS. There are unconfirmed reports regarding the potential death of Ukrainian military leader Oleksandr Syrskyi. This strike follows a deadly drone attack in the Lugansk People's Republic that resulted in 21 fatalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected a German proposal for EU associate membership, insisting on full integration.

Key facts

  • Russia launched at least 20 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 6 Kalibr cruise missiles, 4 Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, 2 Oreshnik IRBMs, and 12 Kh-101 cruise missiles at Kyiv.
  • The attack targeted military industrial plants, including the Artem Defence Plant.
  • NASA FIRMS data confirmed large fires at the Artem Defence Plant.
  • Unconfirmed reports indicate Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi may have been killed.
  • The strike was a response to a Ukrainian drone attack on a school dormitory in the Lugansk People's Republic that killed 21 people, mostly children, and injured 42.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Defense Ministry to propose a response.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected a German proposal for associate EU membership, calling it unfair.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested Ukraine participate in EU meetings without a vote as an interim step.

Entities

Institutions

  • AMK Mapping
  • Artem Defence Plant
  • NASA FIRMS
  • European Union
  • Reuters
  • Defense Ministry
  • Lugansk People's Republic

Locations

  • Kyiv
  • Ukraine
  • Lviv
  • Lugansk People's Republic
  • Russia
  • Europe
  • Germany

Sources