Russia Launches Hypersonic Oreshnik Missile in Major Strike on Ukraine Amid Denials of Alleged Attack on Putin’s Residence
LVIV, Ukraine — In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia fired its advanced hypersonic Oreshnik missile at Ukraine on January 9, 2026, marking the second known use of the intermediate-range weapon. The Kremlin declared the strike a response to an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences, an accusation both Kyiv and Washington have firmly denied.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the missile strike targeted critical infrastructure in Ukraine’s western Lviv region, accompanied by a coordinated assault involving 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles, and 22 cruise missiles. Russian media and military analysts indicated that an underground natural gas storage facility was among the primary targets, a claim corroborated by local officials who confirmed damage to essential infrastructure but withheld specific details.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack on social media, describing the aftermath as devastating. He reported that twenty residential buildings sustained damage and that recovery operations were ongoing across Lviv and other affected regions. Tragically, four people were killed in Kyiv alone, including a member of an ambulance crew. Zelenskyy extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
“The ballistic missiles struck energy facilities and civilian infrastructure at a time when our people are enduring a severe cold spell,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that the assault was aimed at disrupting the daily lives of ordinary Ukrainians. Despite the damage, Ukrainian authorities are working tirelessly to restore heating and electricity services.
The Kremlin justified the missile launch as retaliation for an alleged drone strike on December 29 targeting one of Putin’s residences. However, both the United States and Ukraine have dismissed the claim. Kyiv labeled it “an absurd lie,” while former President Donald Trump expressed skepticism, suggesting that the incident did not occur as reported.
The Oreshnik missile, touted by Putin as impossible to intercept due to its hypersonic velocity, represents a significant advancement in Russia’s military capabilities. This marks only the second time the weapon has been deployed in combat operations. The strike also involved high-precision long-range land- and sea-based weapons, underscoring Russia’s intent to demonstrate its strategic reach.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has drawn international concern and calls for diplomatic resolution. President Zelenskyy has urged the global community, particularly the United States, to respond decisively to Russia’s aggressive actions.
For more information on the conflict and international responses, see the U.S. Department of State’s Ukraine Crisis page and updates from the U.S. Department of Defense. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization continues to monitor the situation closely, providing support to Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities.
As the crisis unfolds, humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees are mobilizing aid efforts to assist displaced civilians affected by the conflict. The international community remains vigilant as the situation develops, emphasizing the urgent need for peaceful dialogue and resolution.
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