Jakarta, ThedailyID — Germany and France condemned Russia after Moscow launched an Oreshnik hypersonic missile strike on Ukraine on Sunday morning, May 24, 2026.
The attack immediately triggered international concern because the Oreshnik missile reportedly carries nuclear-capable warheads.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the strike and accused Russia of continuing attacks against civilians in Ukraine.
“Russia’s attacks against civilian targets in Ukraine continue,” Macron wrote on X while condemning Russia’s use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile.
Macron also stated that the latest escalation reflected Russia reaching a “dead end” in the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the missile strike as shocking and warned that Russia had further escalated the war.
“The use of Oreshnik is another escalation,” Wadephul stated on X.
At the same time, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Moscow of using nuclear intimidation tactics.
Kallas said Russia’s deployment of the intermediate-range ballistic missile represented “reckless nuclear brinkmanship” designed to spread fear and political pressure.
Earlier, Russia confirmed it used Oreshnik missiles during what it described as a “massive” military strike against Ukraine.
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the operation also involved Iskander ballistic missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and Tsirkon cruise missiles.
Moscow claimed the strike responded to what it called Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure inside Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said air defense systems intercepted 549 drones and 55 missiles during the assault.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also warned that the Oreshnik hypersonic missile has the capability to carry nuclear weapons.
The latest escalation renewed fears over growing military tensions between Russia and Ukraine as international leaders continue calling for de-escalation.
