Russia launched a hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile at Ukraine overnight on Thursday, marking a rare use of one of its most advanced weapons as Moscow intensified attacks amid freezing winter temperatures.
The strike was the first deployment of the Oreshnik missile in more than a year. The weapon is capable of carrying multiple warheads and can be fitted with either conventional or nuclear payloads.
In a statement on Friday, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its armed forces carried out a “massive strike with high-precision long-range land- and sea-based weapons,” including the Oreshnik mobile medium-range missile system.
Russian authorities did not specify the exact target of the Oreshnik strike, but Ukrainian officials reported explosions and a ballistic missile hitting a critical infrastructure facility in the western city of Lviv.
Ukraine’s Air Force said the missile was traveling at approximately 13,000 kilometers per hour along a ballistic trajectory, noting that its exact type would be confirmed after examining recovered fragments. That speed is roughly 10 times the speed of sound. Russian military officials have previously said the Oreshnik has a range capable of reaching across Europe.
Russia first used the missile in November 2024, striking the city of Dnipro, even though the system was still under development at the time. Last month, Moscow released footage showing what it said was the deployment of the Oreshnik missile system in neighboring Belarus, a close ally.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister said the strike, carried out close to the borders of the European Union and NATO, posed a serious threat to European security and called for a strong international response.
Russia said the latest wave of attacks was in retaliation for what it claimed was a Ukrainian attempt to strike Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month, a claim disputed by US officials, who said Ukraine was not targeting a residence used by Putin.
The missile strike came as Russia continued a broader overnight assault involving dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones. Ukraine’s Air Force said Moscow fired 36 missiles and 242 drones in total.
In Kyiv, drone strikes began around midnight, hitting residential areas and damaging critical infrastructure. Large parts of the city were plunged into darkness as temperatures dropped to minus five degrees Celsius. City authorities said four people were killed and at least 10 others injured.
In Lviv, local officials said there were no reports of casualties following the missile strike, adding that civilian buildings and residential areas were not affected.
Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in recent weeks, a strategy it has used during previous winters. The strikes have left tens of thousands without electricity or heating during extreme cold. Ukraine’s president has said the goal is to sow chaos and apply psychological pressure on civilians.
The escalation comes amid rising tensions between Russia and the West. Moscow recently reiterated that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine under a future peace deal would be considered “legitimate targets,” following pledges by the UK and France to send forces if an agreement is reached.
Tensions have also been heightened by the recent seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker by US forces in the Atlantic Ocean. Russia condemned the move, arguing it violated international maritime law, while the United States said the vessel had been sanctioned for carrying illicit oil.
The Kremlin has yet to comment publicly on the tanker seizure or the broader diplomatic fallout surrounding the latest developments.
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