# Russia‑Ukraine missile escalation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russiaukraine-missile-escalation
> Updated: 2026-06-18T03:54:14.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

In late May 2026 Russia launched a large‑scale strike on Kyiv, employing around 600 drones, 90 missiles and, for only the second time in combat, a hypersonic Orekh ballistic missile that hit a water‑supply facility and caused extensive damage. Ukrainian air defences shot down most of the drones and missiles, but the attack marked an unprecedented intensification of the four‑year war.

A few weeks later, in mid‑June, Russian forces were reported to have used the newly developed Banderol cruise missile against Kyiv. The missile, launched from an Orion drone, is described as a cheaper, highly maneuverable alternative to existing Russian cruise missiles and is intended for integration on tactical aircraft and helicopters. Its introduction suggests Russia is continuing to expand its missile repertoire and seek weapons that complicate Ukrainian air‑defence efforts.

Together, the two events illustrate a pattern of Russia introducing newer, more sophisticated missile systems in its campaign against Ukraine’s capital, signaling an ongoing escalation in the conflict's weaponry and operational tactics.

## Timeline

### 2026-06-18: Russia tests Banderol cruise missile against Kyiv

Russia allegedly used the new Banderol cruise missile against Kyiv; the missile boasts a 500 km range, 650 km/h speed, and a 150 kg warhead, but Moscow has not confirmed the strike.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-tests-banderol-cruise-missile-against-kyiv

### 2026-05-24: Russia unleashes massive hypersonic missile strike on Kyiv

Russia used 600 drones, 90 missiles—including a hypersonic Orekh—against Kyiv, killing 4 and injuring over 80, with widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-unleashes-massive-hypersonic-missile-strike-on-kyiv

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Cite as: Russia‑Ukraine missile escalation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russiaukraine-missile-escalation
