Russia Confirms Deployment of Oreshnik Ballistic Missile in Ukrainian Strike

Emergency response crews battled flames at a Kyiv apartment building struck by a Russian attack on January 9, 2026.

On Friday, Russia announced the deployment of its novel Oreshnik ballistic missile in extensive strikes against Ukraine. The Ukrainian capital suffered overnight fatalities, with officials reporting four deaths and at least 22 injuries.

Russia's Target

Details on the Oreshnik's impact remain undisclosed by Russia, although Russian media and bloggers mentioned that it aimed at a significant underground natural gas storage located in Lviv, Western Ukraine.

Background of the Strike

The Russian Defense Ministry labeled the attack a countermeasure responding to a supposed Ukrainian drone assailment on President Putin's residence in the previous month. Both Kyiv and former U.S. President Donald Trump have dismissed Russia's allegations regarding the drone strike.

Lviv's Mayor, Andriy Sadoviy, acknowledged that the ballistic missile launched by Russia damaged essential services but withheld specific details. He noted the missile's capability to exceed speeds of 13,000 kilometers (approximately 8,000 miles) per hour, with investigations into its exact model ongoing.

Oreshnik's Capabilities

The Oreshnik, translating as 'hazelnut tree' in Russian, underwent its initial test on a Ukrainian facility in November 2024. President Putin has previously touted its multiple warheads and interception evasion, comparing a conventional strike using several Oreshnik missiles to nuclear force in terms of devastation, with the capacity to launch nuclear payloads as well.

Putin has cautioned Western nations that involvement alongside Ukraine granting Kyiv the potential to strike Russian territories with extended-range missiles might provoke Oreshnik missile operations against them.

Impact on Kyiv's Infrastructure

Following the night assault on Kyiv, victims included a medical responder, as confirmed by Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration. Ukraine's security services reported injuries among five rescue workers attending the active sites.

Several Kyiv localities experienced the assault, with a drone crashing onto the rooftop of a high-rise building in the Desnyanskyi district, and another building in the same area had its bottom floors damaged.

In the Dnipro district, drone remnants caused damage to a residential complex and resulted in a fire.

Utilities Affected

Potable water and power services faced disruptions across the capital, as informed by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Heightened Alerts

This offensive occurred within hours of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning the public about Russia's plan for a comprehensive operation, which aimed to exploit icy streets and roadways amidst the city's cold weather.