During the night, Russia launched the ballistic missile “Oreshnik,” capable of carrying a nuclear payload, in a large-scale aerial strike against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation of the ongoing military offensive.
In the capital Kyiv, reports indicate that at least four people were killed and 25 others injured, with loud explosions heard for several hours.
This is only the second time the “Oreshnik” missile has been used in the conflict, after its first deployment in November 2024, when it struck the city of Dnipro, according to SkyNews.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the strike was in retaliation for a drone attack allegedly targeting President Vladimir Putin’s residence—a claim Ukraine has strongly denied.
Ukrainian authorities reported that the missile hit strategic infrastructure in the Lviv region, about 60 km from the Polish border, raising security concerns across the continent.
“An attack this close to the EU and NATO borders represents a serious threat to European security,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The “Oreshnik” missile is considered a hypersonic medium-range system capable of flying up to 5,500 km and carrying a nuclear payload, though in this instance it is believed to have carried conventional explosives. Western analysts warn that the use of such weaponry, especially near NATO and EU borders, marks a dangerous new phase in the ongoing conflict.
In addition to the “Oreshnik,” Ukraine reported that Russian forces launched dozens of other missiles against energy and civilian targets, along with a wave of drones, causing significant infrastructure damage and worsening living conditions for civilians in multiple areas.
