In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched a powerful hypersonic missile overnight, targeting an area in western Ukraine perilously close to the border with NATO member Poland. Ukrainian authorities and its European allies have interpreted this move as a deliberate act of intimidation, aimed at dissuading continued military support for Ukraine.
Massive Overnight Barrage and Moscow's Justification
The launch of the advanced Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile was part of a wider overnight assault, where Ukrainian officials reported Russia fired a total of 242 drones and 36 missiles. These strikes hit multiple regions, including the capital Kyiv and the western Lviv region. The Oreshnik was fired shortly before midnight, according to local reports.
Moscow justified this aggressive action as retaliation for what it claims was a Ukrainian drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin's residences last month. Both Ukraine and the United States have firmly denied this allegation. "It is absurd that Russia attempts to justify this strike with the fake 'Putin residence attack' that never happened," stated Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on social media platform X.
Civilian Toll and Infrastructure Damage
The consequences on the ground were severe. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the overnight attacks killed at least four people in Kyiv and wounded more than 20, including four medics and five rescue workers. Among the deceased was 56-year-old emergency medic Serhiy Smoliak, who was tragically struck by a follow-up drone attack while aiding survivors at a damaged apartment building.
The assault caused extensive damage to key infrastructure, knocking out power to over half a million homes. Disruptions to water and heating supplies were exacerbated by heavy snow and freezing temperatures, creating a humanitarian crisis. In a diplomatic incident, Qatar confirmed that its embassy in Kyiv was also damaged during the strikes, though no staff were injured.
International Condemnation and Russian Claims
European leaders were swift and unified in their condemnation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas denounced the use of the Oreshnik as a "clear escalation against Ukraine" and a direct warning to Europe and the United States. She called for accelerated delivery of air defence systems to Kyiv and tougher sanctions on Moscow.
Echoing this sentiment, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserted that such intimidation would not succeed. "Threatening gestures are intended to instil fear, but they will not work. We stand with Ukraine," Merz declared. Meanwhile, Moscow maintained that its strikes targeted energy infrastructure and a factory producing drones allegedly used in the purported attack on Putin's residence—a claim Kyiv dismissed as an "absurd lie" meant to sabotage peace efforts.
This marked only the second known use of the Oreshnik missile, which Russia touts as unstoppable and capable of carrying nuclear warheads, though Ukrainian analysis suggested this particular launch involved inert dummy warheads. The strike occurred against the backdrop of peace talks in Paris involving Ukrainian and US envoys, highlighting the stark contrast between diplomatic efforts and the escalating violence on the ground.
