Russia launched a major overnight strike on Ukraine using its hypersonic Oreshnik missile, targeting strategic sites in Lviv and Kiev. Russian authorities said the attack was retaliation for a December drone attempt on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, which Ukraine denies.
At least four people were killed, and apartment buildings were set ablaze in Kiev. Ukrainian officials confirmed that a hypersonic ballistic missile struck an infrastructure facility near Lviv, a city rarely targeted in past attacks.
The missile traveled at an estimated 13,000 kilometers per hour (8,000 miles per hour) and marked one of the rare uses of the Oreshnik weapon since late 2024. Drones were also reported over Kiev, causing fear among residents.
Russian officials warned that any Western deployment in Ukraine to monitor a ceasefire would be considered a legitimate target. The Kremlin accused Ukraine, the US, and European allies of forming an “axis of war.”
Ukrainian Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the overnight bombardment as a “massive enemy missile attack,” emphasizing the human and infrastructural damage.
The strike underscores growing tensions in the region despite recent diplomatic efforts in Paris and raises concerns about escalation in the ongoing conflict.
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