breaking news: Russia Launches Hypersonic Oreshnik Missile in Major Attack on Ukraine
breaking news: Russia Launches Hypersonic Oreshnik Missile in Major Attack on Ukraine
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Kyiv, Ukraine — January 9, 2026 — Russian forces have carried out a large overnight assault on Ukraine that included the reported use of the advanced Oreshnik hypersonic intermediate-range missile, marking only the second known deployment of the weapon in the nearly four-year conflict. The strike, confirmed by Russian and Ukrainian officials, has drawn widespread international attention due to the missile’s speed and strategic implications.
Kyiv, Ukraine — January 9, 2026 — Russian forces have carried out a large overnight assault on Ukraine that included the reported use of the advanced Oreshnik hypersonic intermediate-range missile, marking only the second known deployment of the weapon in the nearly four-year conflict. The strike, confirmed by Russian and Ukrainian officials, has drawn widespread international attention due to the missile’s speed and strategic implications.
The Attack and Missile Details
The Attack and Missile Details
Russian military officials said they launched the hypersonic Oreshnik missile — which Moscow claims can travel over ten times the speed of sound and is difficult to intercept — as part of a broader missile and drone offensive. The Russian Defence Ministry described the attack as retaliation for what it said was an attempted Ukrainian drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in late December, a claim Kyiv and Western governments have rejected.
Russian military officials said they launched the hypersonic Oreshnik missile — which Moscow claims can travel over ten times the speed of sound and is difficult to intercept — as part of a broader missile and drone offensive. The Russian Defence Ministry described the attack as retaliation for what it said was an attempted Ukrainian drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in late December, a claim Kyiv and Western governments have rejected.
The Oreshnik missile, first developed in the early 2020s and introduced into service in 2024, is an intermediate-range ballistic weapon capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. It has been used only once before in the war, in a 2024 strike, and analysis suggests Russia maintains limited stocks of the system.
The Oreshnik missile, first developed in the early 2020s and introduced into service in 2024, is an intermediate-range ballistic weapon capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. It has been used only once before in the war, in a 2024 strike, and analysis suggests Russia maintains limited stocks of the system.
Impact and Damage Reported
Impact and Damage Reported
Ukrainian officials confirmed that the Oreshnik missile struck a target in the Lviv region, close to Ukraine’s western border with NATO member Poland. Local authorities and reports indicate that the strike caused damage to critical infrastructure, including facilities tied to energy distribution or storage, although details are still emerging. A senior Ukrainian official said that the missile may have carried inert or “dummy” warheads, similar to its reported 2024 use, resulting in minor structural impacts rather than widespread destruction.
Ukrainian officials confirmed that the Oreshnik missile struck a target in the Lviv region, close to Ukraine’s western border with NATO member Poland. Local authorities and reports indicate that the strike caused damage to critical infrastructure, including facilities tied to energy distribution or storage, although details are still emerging. A senior Ukrainian official said that the missile may have carried inert or “dummy” warheads, similar to its reported 2024 use, resulting in minor structural impacts rather than widespread destruction.
In addition to the hypersonic strike, the broader Russian assault reportedly included dozens of missiles and hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles, contributing to strikes that caused power outages, damaged residential areas, and disrupted essential services in cities including Kyiv. Ukrainian officials reported several civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage as a result of the broader attack.
In addition to the hypersonic strike, the broader Russian assault reportedly included dozens of missiles and hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles, contributing to strikes that caused power outages, damaged residential areas, and disrupted essential services in cities including Kyiv. Ukrainian officials reported several civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage as a result of the broader attack.
Russian Justifications and Ukrainian Response
Russian Justifications and Ukrainian Response
Moscow’s government framed the missile launch as a justified military action. Russian statements have emphasized the Oreshnik’s capability and portrayed the strike as a suitable response to alleged Ukrainian aggression. Analysts suggest that the use of such a high-profile weapon may also be intended as a strategic signal to Western nations involved in supporting Ukraine.
Moscow’s government framed the missile launch as a justified military action. Russian statements have emphasized the Oreshnik’s capability and portrayed the strike as a suitable response to alleged Ukrainian aggression. Analysts suggest that the use of such a high-profile weapon may also be intended as a strategic signal to Western nations involved in supporting Ukraine.
Ukraine’s government and military authorities have strongly rejected Russian claims about an attempted drone strike on Putin’s residence, describing the justification as unfounded. Ukrainian officials have condemned the Oreshnik launch and related attacks as escalatory, asserting that Moscow’s actions do not reflect the realities on the ground and exacerbate civilian hardship. Western governments, including members of the European Union and NATO, have also criticized the attack and reiterated support for Ukraine’s defence.
Ukraine’s government and military authorities have strongly rejected Russian claims about an attempted drone strike on Putin’s residence, describing the justification as unfounded. Ukrainian officials have condemned the Oreshnik launch and related attacks as escalatory, asserting that Moscow’s actions do not reflect the realities on the ground and exacerbate civilian hardship. Western governments, including members of the European Union and NATO, have also criticized the attack and reiterated support for Ukraine’s defence.
International and Strategic Context
International and Strategic Context
The timing of the strike coincides with renewed efforts by Ukraine and Western allies to advance negotiations on security guarantees and post-war arrangements, including proposals for allied troop deployments in Ukraine following a ceasefire. Russian officials have publicly objected to such plans, characterizing them as threats to Russian security and signalling their intent to view foreign troops as legitimate targets.
The timing of the strike coincides with renewed efforts by Ukraine and Western allies to advance negotiations on security guarantees and post-war arrangements, including proposals for allied troop deployments in Ukraine following a ceasefire. Russian officials have publicly objected to such plans, characterizing them as threats to Russian security and signalling their intent to view foreign troops as legitimate targets.
The use of the Oreshnik missile near NATO borders has drawn particular concern among European governments, highlighting tensions between Moscow’s strategic messaging and Western defence commitments. International responses have ranged from formal condemnations to calls for increased military and diplomatic support for Kyiv.
The use of the Oreshnik missile near NATO borders has drawn particular concern among European governments, highlighting tensions between Moscow’s strategic messaging and Western defence commitments. International responses have ranged from formal condemnations to calls for increased military and diplomatic support for Kyiv.
Oreshnik Missile: Technical and Historical Notes
Oreshnik Missile: Technical and Historical Notes
The Oreshnik — whose name means “hazel tree” — is classified by analysts as an intermediate-range ballistic missile derived from earlier Russian designs, with a reported speed exceeding Mach 10 and the capability to release multiple reentry vehicles. Its deployment requires significant logistical support, and experts note that its use is likely intended as much for political signalling as battlefield impact.
The Oreshnik — whose name means “hazel tree” — is classified by analysts as an intermediate-range ballistic missile derived from earlier Russian designs, with a reported speed exceeding Mach 10 and the capability to release multiple reentry vehicles. Its deployment requires significant logistical support, and experts note that its use is likely intended as much for political signalling as battlefield impact.
While the weapon’s high speed and potential payloads have made it a subject of media attention, Western defence analysts have expressed skepticism about claims regarding its battlefield effectiveness and its alleged immunity to interception.
While the weapon’s high speed and potential payloads have made it a subject of media attention, Western defence analysts have expressed skepticism about claims regarding its battlefield effectiveness and its alleged immunity to interception.
Ongoing Developments
Ongoing Developments
As of this writing, Ukrainian authorities continue to assess damage from the latest attacks and mobilize emergency response efforts. Foreign governments and international organisations are monitoring developments, while peace negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States, and European partners remain active but challenged by the recent escalation. Independent verification of some details remains difficult due to the fluid nature of reporting from conflict zones.
As of this writing, Ukrainian authorities continue to assess damage from the latest attacks and mobilize emergency response efforts. Foreign governments and international organisations are monitoring developments, while peace negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States, and European partners remain active but challenged by the recent escalation. Independent verification of some details remains difficult due to the fluid nature of reporting from conflict zones.
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