Russia fired a hypersonic Oreshnik missile at Ukraine near the EU border, Kyiv said, calling it a threat to European security. The attack killed four people, injured over 20, and damaged infrastructure in Kyiv and Lviv. Ukrainian authorities said power, water, and heat were disrupted for hundreds of thousands of residents.
Moscow claimed the strike targeted a drone factory and energy facilities in response to an alleged attack on President Putin’s residence last month. Ukraine and the United States denied the incident occurred. This was only the second Oreshnik missile launch against Ukraine since November 2024.
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The Oreshnik missile travels at 13,000 kilometres per hour and is designed to carry nuclear warheads, though none were reported used. Russia said the strike hit its intended targets, while Ukrainian officials reported damage to an underground gas storage site. Germany condemned the attack as an attempt to “instil fear” in Europe.
Russian forces launched 36 missiles and 242 drones overnight, striking multiple locations. Videos released by Russian media showed flashes and explosions, but Reuters could not independently verify them. Kyiv officials said heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures worsened conditions for residents.
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The attack comes as Ukrainian and U.S. envoys negotiate a peace framework in Paris. Kyiv says Russia’s actions are an attempt to sabotage talks. Analysts warn that strikes near NATO borders increase regional tensions and pose a global security concern.