A residential Building burns after a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan 9, 2026.
Russia has confirmed the use of its new Oreshnik ballistic missile during a large-scale strike on Ukraine.
The attack marked a significant escalation in Moscow’s ongoing military campaign.
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the strike was carried out using an intermediate-range Oreshnik ballistic missile.
Officials described it as a direct response to an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month.
Ukraine has firmly denied the claim.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also rejected Russia’s version of events.
The ministry said the Oreshnik ballistic missile strike was combined with other ground- and sea-launched missiles.
The targets included Ukraine’s critical infrastructure across multiple regions.
Russia Claims Retaliation Behind Missile Launch
Russian officials framed the Oreshnik ballistic missile attack as retaliation.
They accused Ukraine of attempting to strike the Russian president’s residence using drones.
Kyiv dismissed the accusation as baseless.
Western leaders also expressed skepticism over the claim.
Despite the denials, Moscow said the operation was meant to send a clear warning.
It emphasized that the Oreshnik ballistic missile represents a new phase in its military capabilities.
Overnight Missile and Drone Assault on Kyiv
Ukrainian authorities reported intense drone and missile attacks overnight into Friday.
At least four people were killed in Kyiv during the strikes.
More than 22 civilians were injured across the capital.
Emergency crews worked through the night as explosions echoed across several districts.
Among the victims was an emergency medical aid worker.
Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko confirmed the death.
Five rescue workers were injured while responding to active strike zones.
Ukraine’s security service said attacks continued even as first responders were on site.
Residential Areas Sustain Heavy Damage
Several Kyiv districts suffered direct hits during the assault.
In the Desnyanskyi district, a drone crashed onto the roof of a multi-story residential building.
At another nearby location, the first two floors of an apartment block were damaged.
Windows were shattered, and debris covered surrounding streets.
In the Dnipro district, falling drone fragments struck another high-rise building.
The impact triggered a fire that spread quickly before being contained.
Authorities urged residents to remain in shelters during the overnight barrage.
Air defense systems were activated repeatedly across the city.
Critical Infrastructure Targeted in Western Ukraine
Russia also struck Ukraine’s western city of Lviv.
Mayor Andriy Sadoviy said the attack hit critical infrastructure facilities.
The missile used in Lviv was initially unidentified.
Ukraine’s Air Force later provided new details.
The Western Command said the missile traveled at roughly 13,000 kilometers per hour.
Investigators are still determining whether it was an Oreshnik ballistic missile or another advanced weapon.
Power and water supplies were disrupted in parts of Kyiv following the strikes.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed outages affecting residential neighborhoods.
Zelenskyy Warned of Escalation
The attack came hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a national warning.
He said Russia was preparing for a large-scale offensive.
Zelenskyy noted that freezing weather could be used as a tactical advantage.
Icy roads and streets increase risks for both civilians and emergency services.
Ukrainian officials believe the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile signals heightened aggression.
They warned that further strikes on infrastructure could follow.
As investigations continue, tensions remain high across the region.
The introduction of the Oreshnik ballistic missile adds a new and dangerous dimension to the conflict.
