Russia hit a target in Lviv region with its newest ballistic weapon
Russia hit a target in Lviv region with its newest ballistic weapon, Oreshnik

Russia launched one of its most extensive aerial assaults in recent months between late Thursday night and early Friday morning, striking multiple regions across Ukraine. According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack began shortly after midnight and continued for several hours, targeting major cities and strategic infrastructure.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said the operation included the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, a relatively new weapons system believed to be capable of traveling at hypersonic speeds. Moscow described the strike as a retaliatory response to an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Russian territory, a claim firmly denied by Kyiv and questioned by Western officials.

Read more: What is Oreshnik - The Hypersonic Ballistic Missile That 'Impossible to Shoot Down?'

Kyiv Hit, Civilians Killed

In the capital Kyiv, explosions were reported around 2:00 a.m. local time as air defense systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles. Falling debris and direct impacts caused damage in several districts.

City officials confirmed that at least four civilians were killed and more than twenty people were injured. Residential buildings, vehicles, and public infrastructure were damaged, forcing emergency evacuations in some neighborhoods. Firefighters and rescue crews worked through the night to extinguish fires and clear rubble.

Video: Russia attacked Ukraine with a hypersonic Oreshnik missile overnight Thursday (Jan 9, 2026)

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack demonstrated Russia’s continued focus on intimidating civilians rather than achieving military objectives.

Western Ukraine Also Targeted

Strikes were also reported hundreds of kilometers west of the front lines, including in and around the Lviv region. Explosions there occurred around 4:00 a.m., according to regional authorities.

Lviv is considered strategically important due to its proximity to Poland and other European Union member states. Ukrainian officials said several energy facilities and industrial sites were damaged, including infrastructure linked to gas storage and drone manufacturing. While no mass casualties were reported in the region, authorities warned that damage to energy facilities could have longer-term consequences.

The proximity of the strikes to NATO territory prompted renewed concern among European governments about the wider security implications of the war.

Scale of the Attack

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched approximately 36 missiles of various types and more than 240 drones during the overnight assault. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted the majority of the incoming threats, but officials acknowledged that several missiles breached defenses, causing significant damage.

Temporary power outages were reported in parts of Kyiv and western Ukraine. Energy crews were deployed immediately to restore electricity and prevent further disruptions.

What Is the Oreshnik Missile?

The Oreshnik ballistic missile has drawn particular attention from military analysts. Although Russia has released limited technical details, experts believe the missile is capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 10 and may be designed to evade modern air defense systems.

This marks only the second known use of the Oreshnik missile in the war, following a reported strike in late 2024. Analysts say its deployment is likely intended as a strategic signal, demonstrating Russia’s ability to strike deep inside Ukrainian territory with advanced weaponry.

While the missile does not fundamentally alter the military balance, experts warn that its use increases pressure on Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and heightens the risk of escalation.

International Response

European leaders condemned the attack, particularly the strikes near Lviv. Several governments reiterated that attacks close to EU borders underscore the war’s potential to destabilize the wider region.

Western allies renewed calls to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, emphasizing the need for additional missile defense systems and interceptor supplies. Diplomats also urged restraint, warning that continued escalation could further endanger civilians.

Video of the moment a Russian hypersonic missile crashed into the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last year:

War Shows No Sign of Slowing

The overnight strike highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict as it enters another year with no clear diplomatic breakthrough in sight. Both sides continue to signal determination to pursue military objectives despite mounting losses and international pressure.

As Ukraine assesses the damage and mourns the dead, attention is now focused on whether Russia will continue using advanced ballistic missiles more frequently — and how Ukraine and its allies will respond.