Putin tried to cover parade humiliation with massive strike on Kyiv – ISW
Photo: Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the parade (Getty Images)
The strike on Kyiv was an attempt by Russian leader Vladimir Putin to cover up the humiliation following the failed Victory Day parade in Moscow and to project strength amid setbacks, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
Threats before May 9
According to analysts, the Kremlin had earlier threatened strikes on “decision-making centers” in Kyiv, including the possible use of the Oreshnik missile, in response to any attacks on Russia’s Victory Day parade. Ukraine did not carry out such attacks.
The report also states that those threats ahead of May 9 may have been used to project strength and distract from problems with protecting Russian airspace.
Strike on Kyiv and ISW reaction
According to ISW, the Russian strike on Kyiv was part of Putin’s broader effort to “erase the humiliation” linked to criticism of the Victory Day parade.
“The Russian strike against Kyiv City is part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued effort to erase his Victory Day parade humiliation, as Putin tries to project strength after his widely criticized parade,” the report said.
Analysts also stressed that the attack violated the declared “spirit” of the three-day ceasefire and demonstrated Russia’s unwillingness to honor agreements unless they benefit Moscow.
Criticism from Russian military bloggers
The report also cited reactions from Russian military bloggers, who described the strikes as largely symbolic and ineffective.
They argued that:
- the strikes are expensive but lack military value
- Russian troops face resource shortages on the front line
- the priorities behind the strikes do not match the real needs of Russia’s army
Some bloggers also said Ukraine continues carrying out effective strikes on Russian logistics despite the attacks on Kyiv.
Frontline failures are the real context
Russian forces have failed to achieve major advances during the spring-summer 2026 campaign. Ukrainian troops continue counterattacks and deep strikes inside Russian territory.
According to ISW, Russia’s military leadership may have launched the strike on Kyiv specifically to divert attention from failures at the front and to demonstrate “strength” to both domestic and international audiences.
Attack on Kyiv and the region on May 24
On the night of May 24, Russia launched 90 missiles of various types at Ukraine — including the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile — along with 600 drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 55 missiles and 549 drones.
Kyiv was the main target of the massive attack.
According to the latest data, 87 people were injured, including three children. Two people were killed.
Damage was recorded in every district of the capital. Russian forces targeted residential buildings, schools, and a food market near Lukianivska metro station.
RBC-Ukraine visited the scene and showed the aftermath of Russia’s war crime in a special report.
Cultural sites were also damaged, including the building of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, an art museum, and the Chornobyl Museum.
In addition to the capital, the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region also came under attack. Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed that the Oreshnik missile was used there.
According to preliminary data, two men were killed in the strike.
