Friday, January 9, 2026- Russia has confirmed it fired a nuclear‑capable hypersonic missile at a target in western Ukraine during a major overnight assault, marking a dramatic escalation in the nearly four‑year‑long conflict. Moscow’s Defense Ministry identified the weapon as its Oreshnik medium‑range ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, though officials insist no nuclear payload was used in this strike.
The missile targeted infrastructure in the Lviv region near the NATO and EU border, and Ukrainian authorities have reported damage to energy and civilian facilities, including critical infrastructure. The attack reflects Moscow’s stated aim of retaliating for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Putin’s residence last year, a claim Kyiv and Western officials strongly deny.
The use of the Oreshnik missile deployed for only the second time in combat underscores a troubling shift in the war’s dynamics and raises alarms among NATO partners. Ukrainian air defenses reported intercepting many incoming drones and missiles, but the hypersonic strike still caused power outages, infrastructure destruction, and civilian casualties.
Ukrainian leaders have condemned the attack as a war crime and called for a robust international response, while Western governments have labeled the launch escalatory and unacceptable. European security officials warn the proximity of the strike to NATO borders could further heighten tensions and complicate efforts to support Ukraine’s defense.
Global concern is mounting as the conflict shows signs of widening implications beyond Ukraine’s borders. The deployment of a nuclear‑capable weapon, even without a nuclear warhead, is viewed as a strategic message to Kyiv’s allies and a warning against increased military support, particularly proposals to station forces in Ukraine as part of future security guarantees.
Analysts say the incident may derail fragile peace negotiations and force policymakers worldwide to confront the stark reality of increasingly advanced weaponry being used on the European continent.
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