Russia Deploys Rare Hypersonic Missile in “Massive” Strike on Ukraine

In the early hours of January 9, 2026, Russian forces launched a major military assault on Ukrainian territory that marked only the second known combat use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, one of Moscow’s most advanced and strategically significant weapons. The attack, accompanied by a barrage of drones and conventional missiles, has heightened fears of escalation, particularly given the missile’s potential nuclear capability and long range (Reuters, 2026).

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the Oreshnik missile was used as part of a retaliation for what Moscow alleged was a Ukrainian drone strike attempt on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence late last year — a claim firmly rejected by Kyiv and dismissed as false by U.S. officials (AP News, 2026).

The Oreshnik Missile: Rare and Strategic

The Oreshnik — named after the hazel tree in Russian — is an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile reportedly capable of speeds exceeding Mach 10, making it extremely difficult for existing air defense systems to intercept (Reuters, 2026). The missile can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads and may be capable of deploying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), though there’s no evidence a nuclear payload was used in this strike (Newsweek, 2026).

Russia publicly acknowledging operational use of the Oreshnik is rare. Its first known use was in November 2024 when Moscow struck the eastern city of Dnipro with a similar weapon as a “test” of its capabilities (Reuters, 2026). The second use in January 2026 underscores its growing role in Russia’s strategic arsenal.

Details of the Strike

The overnight attack involved a complex offensive operation featuring dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones, with Russia claiming it targeted strategic military and industrial facilities in central and western Ukraine. Ukrainian officials confirmed the strike included this advanced missile and reported significant disruptions:

Lviv Region Hit: Critical infrastructure in western Ukraine, including a gas storage facility near the EU and NATO border, was struck (Times of India, 2026).

Casualties and Damage: Ukrainian authorities reported at least four civilians killed, with extensive damage to apartment buildings and energy infrastructure leading to heating and electricity outages amid winter temperatures (Independent, 2026).

Drone and Missile Swarm: Alongside the Oreshnik, Russia launched 36 missiles and 242 drones, overwhelming air defenses and disrupting daily life across contested regions (Times of India, 2026).

Global and Regional Reactions

The missile’s use has triggered concern among Ukraine’s Western allies and neighboring states. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling for strengthened international support and denouncing Moscow’s justification as baseless, while appealing for emergency meetings at the United Nations and NATO (AP News, 2026).

Strikes reaching near NATO and EU frontiers — particularly in Lviv, close to Poland — have amplified fears of unintended escalation and prompted urgent consultations in Western capitals (Times of India, 2026). Western officials, including those in the U.S., emphasized the lack of evidence supporting Russia’s pretext and reaffirmed backing for Ukraine while warning Moscow against further destabilizing actions (Reuters, 2026).

Strategic Implications

The Oreshnik’s operational use has strategic implications beyond the battlefield. Deploying a missile with strategic range and hypersonic capability raises the stakes of the conflict, especially given its ability to reach targets across Europe. Its public use underscores Moscow’s willingness to project power and potentially deter further Western military support for Kyiv (Newsweek, 2026).

Its high speed and potential to carry multiple warheads make it particularly challenging to intercept, exposing gaps in Ukraine’s and NATO’s existing air defense frameworks (Reuters, 2026). The timing — during ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and the United States — could complicate diplomatic efforts, pushing Kyiv’s allies toward heightened military and economic support in response to Moscow’s escalation (Independent, 2026).

Conclusion: A New Phase in Warfare

Russia’s reported use of the rare Oreshnik hypersonic missile in its January 2026 strikes represents both a tactical escalation and a strategic message. By deploying one of its most sophisticated weapons in combat — and publicly linking it to disputed Ukrainian actions — Moscow signals both military resolve and a readiness to leverage advanced capabilities in pursuit of its war aims. As Ukraine reels from the latest bombardment and its allies evaluate their next steps, the implications of hypersonic weaponry in modern warfare have taken on renewed urgency and complexity (Reuters, 2026).