Russia carried out a massive overnight attack on Ukraine that included the deployment of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, marking a rare and escalatory use of one of Moscow’s most advanced weapons. Ukrainian authorities confirmed civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage as explosions rocked multiple cities, including areas close to NATO territory.

“A Message Sent With Missiles”

Ukrainian officials said the Oreshnik missile was launched as part of a broader barrage involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Although Russia did not specify the missile’s exact target, confirmed impacts were reported in Lviv, just 60 kilometers from the Polish border.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that the strike was not only an attack on Ukraine but a signal aimed at Europe, calling it a “grave threat to continental security” and a test of Western resolve.

Moscow Cites Retaliation, Kyiv Rejects Claim

Russia’s Defense Ministry said the strike was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence in late December—an accusation Kyiv firmly denied and that Western officials have questioned.

Ukrainian leaders dismissed the justification as unfounded, noting that European and U.S. officials have publicly cast doubt on whether such an incident ever occurred.

What Makes the Oreshnik Different

The Oreshnik missile is believed to have a range of up to 5,500 kilometers and a hypersonic speed that makes interception extremely difficult. Military analysts say its warhead fragments during descent into multiple independently targeted projectiles, causing repeated explosions seconds apart.

The weapon was first used in November 2024 against the city of Dnipro, making this strike only its second confirmed deployment.

Civilian Infrastructure Under Fire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the overnight assault included 13 ballistic missiles, 22 cruise missiles, and 242 drones, targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure during freezing winter conditions.

One missile damaged a building housing the Qatari Embassy, while authorities rushed to restore heating and electricity across affected regions.

Europe Warns of Escalation

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the strike was intended as a warning to both Europe and the United States, stressing that Russia’s response to diplomacy remains military escalation.

She warned that repeated large-scale attacks would continue unless Ukraine receives stronger support to counter Moscow’s missile capabilities.