Russia launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight, using its advanced Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile for the first time in over a year, killing several people and targeting critical infrastructure amid freezing temperatures. The strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the Oreshnik capable of carrying nuclear warheads and reaching speeds of 13,000 kilometers per hour.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Friday that it had used the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in a strike on Ukraine, particularly targeting areas near the western city of Lviv. According to Ukrainian authorities, the missile was moving at approximately 13,000 km/h, about ten times the speed of sound, and its components are being examined to confirm the type. This is the first time since November 2024 that Moscow has deployed this weapon, which was not fully developed at its initial use.
In the capital Kyiv, the attack resulted in four fatalities and at least 22 injuries, with emergency services responding to multiple incidents including drone crashes on residential buildings. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage to critical infrastructure, leading to disruptions in running water and electricity across parts of the city. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russia fired a total of 36 missiles and 242 drones overnight, intensifying the assault during bitterly cold weather.
The Oreshnik missile is one of Russia’s most advanced weapons, with the ability to carry multiple warheads and either conventional or nuclear payloads. It has a range that covers all of Europe, and last month, Russia released video footage showing the missile system deployed in Belarus. The weapon’s hypersonic speed makes it difficult to intercept, posing a new challenge for Ukraine’s air defenses.
Moscow justified the strike as retaliation for what it claimed was a Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month. However, the CIA has assessed that Ukraine was not targeting a residence used by Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected the Russian claim. This narrative comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Trump to end the war, adding complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, condemned the attack, stating that such a strike near the EU and NATO border represents a grave threat to European security and tests the transatlantic community. He called for strong responses to Russia’s actions. The attack occurred shortly after Russia reiterated that any European troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets, following pledges from France and the UK to send troops under a peace deal.
The strikes are part of a broader Russian strategy to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during winter, aiming to create chaos and apply psychological pressure on the population. President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned the nation about Russia’s intentions for a large-scale offensive, exploiting the frigid conditions. The humanitarian impact is severe, with tens of thousands left without power or heating in freezing temperatures.
The use of the Oreshnik missile escalates the conflict and underscores Russia’s willingness to deploy advanced weaponry. It also highlights the international tensions, including the recent U.S. seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, which Moscow condemned. As the war drags on, the focus shifts to how Ukraine and its allies will respond to these heightened threats, with calls for enhanced defensive support and diplomatic pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.
