Russia Deploys New Ballistic Missile in Deadly Strike on Ukraine, Killing Four
KYIV, Ukraine — In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russian forces launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, known as the Oreshnik, in an overnight strike that killed at least four people and injured more than twenty others across multiple districts in Ukraine’s capital. The attack, confirmed by Russia’s Defense Ministry on January 9, 2026, targeted Kyiv and also struck critical infrastructure in the western city of Lviv.
The missile, which traveled at speeds exceeding 8,000 miles per hour according to the Western Command of Ukraine’s Air Force, caused extensive damage to residential buildings and disrupted essential services, including water and electricity, in parts of Kyiv. Emergency responders were among the casualties; one emergency medical aid worker was killed, and five rescue workers were injured while attending to the aftermath of the strike, according to Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko and Ukrainian security services.
A drone reportedly crashed onto the roof of a multistory building in Kyiv’s Desnyanskyi district, damaging the first two floors of the residential structure. Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the situation as dire, emphasizing the challenges posed by the frigid weather, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was attempting to exploit to gain a tactical advantage.
Russia justified the missile strike as retaliation for what it claimed was a Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month. However, both Ukrainian officials and former U.S. President Donald Trump have publicly disputed Moscow’s allegations. The strike came just hours after President Zelenskyy warned the nation of an imminent large-scale Russian offensive.
In addition to the Oreshnik missile, Russian forces launched other ground- and sea-based missile attacks targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, particularly in Lviv, where Mayor Andriy Sadoviy reported damage. These coordinated strikes underscore the intensifying conflict and Russia’s deployment of advanced military technology.
The use of the Oreshnik missile marks a new phase in the war, reflecting Russia’s efforts to introduce more sophisticated weaponry. The United States and its allies have condemned the attacks, with officials monitoring the situation closely. For ongoing updates on the conflict and international responses, the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense provide official statements and briefings.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians. The United Nations continues to call for de-escalation and protection of non-combatants amid the hostilities. Meanwhile, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and condemned the use of ballistic missile technology against civilian areas.
As the conflict enters its next chapter, the international community watches closely, weighing diplomatic and strategic responses to Russia’s latest military actions. The situation remains fluid, with Ukrainian authorities mobilizing emergency services and reinforcing defenses in anticipation of further attacks.
Leave a Reply