Russia Fires Oreshnik Ballistic Missile at Ukraine
Kyiv, 9 January 2026 – Russia conducted a large-scale overnight strike on Ukraine, deploying the advanced Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile for the second time in the conflict. The attack, which Moscow claimed was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, resulted in at least four deaths and numerous injuries in Kyiv, while also hitting critical infrastructure in Lviv.
Russian Claims and Ukrainian Response
Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that the strike involved high-precision weapons, including the Oreshnik, targeting Ukraine’s energy facilities and civilian areas. Ukrainian officials, however, dismissed the justification, labelling it a “grave threat” to European security. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for urgent international action, including UN Security Council meetings, describing the use of the missile near EU and NATO borders as a “test for the transatlantic community”. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged a strong global response, particularly from the United States.
Key Facts About the Oreshnik Missile
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. |
| Speed | Up to Mach 10 (approximately 13,000 km/h), making it difficult to intercept. |
| Range | Maximum strike range of 3,417 miles, able to reach all of Europe. |
| Deployment | Officially entered combat duty in late 2025; deployed to Belarus in December 2025. |
| Previous Use | First used in November 2024 against Dnipro; this marks the second confirmed deployment. |
| Warhead Yield | Conventional version equivalent to 45 Hiroshima atomic bombs in total destructive power. |
Impact and Casualties
The strike caused significant damage in Kyiv, where a residential building was hit, disrupting water and electricity supplies. In Lviv, critical infrastructure was targeted, with reports of a ballistic missile strike on energy facilities. Ukrainian authorities reported explosions across the country, with the air force noting 242 drones and 36 missiles in total. The Qatari Embassy in Kyiv was also damaged.
International Reactions
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the attack as a warning to Europe and the US, stating that Putin “doesn’t want peace”. US President Donald Trump, who initially expressed anger over the alleged Putin residence incident, later confirmed it did not occur. The incident heightened tensions, coinciding with US sanctions on a Russian oil tanker and ongoing peace talks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oreshnik missile?
The Oreshnik, meaning “hazelnut tree” in Russian, is a new hypersonic ballistic missile developed by Russia. It is designed for precision strikes and can carry multiple warheads, posing a significant threat due to its speed and range.
Why did Russia use it now?
Moscow claimed it was in response to a purported Ukrainian drone attack on Putin’s residence, which Ukraine and Western officials deny. Analysts suggest it serves as a psychological weapon and a message to the West about Russia’s capabilities.
What are the implications for Ukraine?
The strike underscores Russia’s ability to target Western-supplied aid routes near Poland and highlights vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s air defences. It may complicate ongoing peace negotiations.