US slams Russia’s ‘dangerous escalation’ in Ukraine amid new deadly strikes

On January 9, 2026, Ukraine urged its allies to increase pressure on Russia after Moscow deployed its newly developed Oreshnik missile in strikes on Kyiv and Lviv in western Ukraine. Russia confirmed the use of the intermediate-range ballistic missile during overnight attacks that killed four and injured at least 22 in the capital, according to Ukraine. Kyiv characterized the missile launch near the EU and NATO border as a "grave threat" to European security. The Oreshnik, first used in November 2024, is reportedly capable of speeds exceeding 13,000 km/h, with destructive power comparable to a nuclear weapon, according to Putin. Ukraine's Air Force is investigating the specific type of rocket used in the Lviv strike, which also targeted critical infrastructure.

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.

In January 2026, Russia launched an Oreshnik missile, a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic weapon, at western Ukraine, marking its second known use. Russia claimed the strike targeted drone-making and energy infrastructure, with no reported casualties. The Oreshnik, promoted by Putin as a display of Russian technological advancement, is believed by the Pentagon to be a modified version of the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile carries multiple warheads that separate in flight. Its first use was in November 2024, targeting a military facility in Dnipro, Ukraine, in response to Ukraine's use of Western weapons. This latest strike, near the Polish border, serves as a reminder of Russia's missile range amid heightened tensions over Ukraine peace talks.

Russia launched a deadly missile strike on Ukraine Friday, killing at least four and injuring 22, according to Ukrainian authorities. The Russian Defense Ministry stated it used a new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in the attack, which they claimed was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on Putin's residence last month. The attack occurred hours after President Zelenskyy warned of a large-scale Russian offensive, with several districts in Kyiv and the western city of Lviv being hit. The missile traveled at over 8,000 miles per hour, damaging residential buildings and disrupting utilities in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials reported injuries to rescue workers responding to the attacks, which also targeted critical infrastructure.

Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, including the rarely-used Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile, resulting in at least four deaths and 25 injuries in Kyiv on Thursday night. The Oreshnik, previously deployed in Dnipro in November 2024, struck infrastructure in Lviv, near the Polish border. Russia claimed the strike was retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence in December, an allegation Kyiv denies. Ukrainian authorities reported that the overnight assault also involved numerous other missiles and drones targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure across the country, including Kyiv and Lviv. President Zelensky condemned the attacks as targeting ordinary citizens during a cold spell, while Ukrainian officials warned of the strike's implications for European security.

On January 9, 2026, Russia launched a large missile and drone attack on Ukraine, particularly targeting Kyiv, resulting in at least three deaths and 16 injuries. Multiple districts in Kyiv were struck, damaging residential buildings and disrupting water and electricity services. Lviv was also hit by a ballistic missile. The attacks followed a warning from President Zelenskyy about a potential large-scale Russian offensive exploiting winter conditions. In response, Zelenskyy urged the US to take action against Russia. Simultaneously, a Ukrainian attack on Belgorod, Russia, reportedly left half a million people without power or heat and cut off water for nearly 200,000.

Donald Trump dismissed the idea of capturing Vladimir Putin, responding to suggestions from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking at the White House during a meeting with oil executives, Trump expressed disappointment with Putin despite previously claiming a good relationship. He reiterated his campaign promise to quickly end the war in Ukraine, lamenting the ongoing casualties, particularly among Russian soldiers, and the struggling Russian economy. Trump criticized the Biden administration's financial aid to Ukraine, suggesting a rare earth minerals agreement to recoup costs. He also argued the U.S. is profiting from the conflict through arms sales to NATO allies and increased defense spending commitments. Zelenskyy's comments followed reports of Russia's use of a new hypersonic missile in an attack on Ukraine.