“France condemns this attack and the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, which above all reflects the dead end of Russia’s war of aggression,” Emmanuel Macron wrote.
He added that the latest Russian attacks only strengthen France’s determination to continue supporting Ukraine, make every effort to achieve a just and lasting peace, and reinforce Europe’s security.
Russia launched a massive combined strike on Ukraine using attack drones and air-, sea- and ground-launched missiles, firing 90 missiles and 600 drones of various types.
At least two people were killed and more than 50 injured in Kyiv. Russian strikes also killed two men in Kyiv Oblast.
On May 23, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence had received information from U.S. and European partners that Russia was preparing a strike involving an Oreshnik missile.
Overnight into May 24, Ukraine’s Air Force warned of the possible use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Later, monitoring channels circulated videos purportedly showing a Russian strike near the city of Bila Tserkva.
The footage appeared to show the missile’s warheads separating before impact, followed by a series of explosions.
Subsequently, Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine’s Air Force, confirmed that Russia had struck the area near Bila Tserkva with an RS-26 Rubezh (Oreshnik) intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Zelenskyy also said Russia had used the missile in the attack.