Russia fires hypersonic Oreshnik missile at Ukraine in massive attack

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Pjotr SauerJanuary 9, 2026 at 09:43 AM

AI Summary

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Russia claimed to have launched its hypersonic Oreshnik missile at a target in western Ukraine near the EU border during a large overnight attack. The strike, according to Moscow, was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence, a claim Kyiv and Washington deny. Ukraine condemned the missile launch as a grave threat to European security and called for increased pressure on Russia. While the governor of Lviv reported damage to critical infrastructure, reports suggest the Oreshnik may have carried inert warheads, indicating a symbolic gesture. Russia first used the Oreshnik in November 2024, and Putin has repeatedly threatened its use against countries supplying weapons to Ukraine. The overnight strikes also targeted Kyiv, resulting in at least one fatality.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Washington 40% Lviv 40% North Atlantic Treaty Organization 50% Kyiv ×460% European Union ×260% Vladimir Putin ×270% Oreshnik missile ×685% Ukraine ×1090% Russia ×790%

Keywords

hypersonic missile 100% oreshnik missile 90% russia 90% ukraine 90% missile attack 80% european security 60% critical infrastructure 50% postwar security guarantees 50% drone attack 40%