In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia unleashed a massive overnight missile barrage across Ukraine on January 9, 2026. The assault, which notably involved the deployment of the feared Oreshnik ballistic missile, targeted western and central regions, including the cities of Lviv and the capital Kyiv.
Night Sky Lit by Explosions in Lviv
The attack began with a series of strikes on the western city of Lviv. Local authorities reported at least six powerful explosions that illuminated the night sky, causing significant damage to critical infrastructure. The nature of the attack raised immediate alarms, as air defence systems detected no incoming drones or cruise missiles. This absence pointed strongly towards the use of advanced, long-range ballistic missiles, sparking fears about Ukraine's ability to intercept such weapons.
Civilian Casualties in Kyiv Suburbs
The offensive was not limited to the west. The capital region of Kyiv and its surrounding suburbs also came under heavy fire. Tragically, these strikes resulted in the loss of at least three civilian lives. Among the victims was a medic who was responding to the scene of an earlier attack, highlighting the dire risks faced by emergency personnel. The assault plunged the nation into a state of high alert, with air raid sirens sounding across Ukraine.
Peace Plan Rejected, 'Axis of War' Branded
This military escalation came mere hours after the Russian government formally rejected a European-led peacekeeping proposal. Moscow's response was sharply worded, branding the Ukrainian leadership and its Western allies as an "axis of war." In a stark warning that further raises the stakes, Russian officials stated that any Western troops deployed in support of Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets. This rhetoric marks a hardening of positions and casts a dark shadow over any near-term diplomatic resolutions to the prolonged conflict.
The use of the Oreshnik missile, a weapon known for its speed and difficulty to intercept, represents a dangerous new phase in Russia's campaign. By targeting critical infrastructure far from the front lines and dismissing international peace efforts, the attacks signal a strategy aimed at crippling Ukrainian morale and resistance capacity. The world watches anxiously as the conflict takes this darker, more aggressive turn.
