Russia fired a powerful hypersonic missile overnight at a target in western Ukraine close to the border with NATO-member Poland, a move Kyiv and its European allies described as an attempt to intimidate them from continuing military support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials said the missile strike came as part of a wider barrage of drones and missiles that hit multiple regions, including the capital Kyiv.
“It is absurd that Russia attempts to justify this strike with the fake ‘Putin residence attack’ that never happened,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said on X.
Ukrainian authorities said the overnight attacks killed at least four people in Kyiv, knocked out power to more than half a million homes and damaged key infrastructure. Heavy snow and freezing temperatures worsened conditions as water and heating supplies were disrupted.
One of those killed was emergency medic Serhiy Smoliak, 56, who was struck by a follow-up drone attack while helping survivors at a suburban apartment building.
European leaders condemned the missile strike as a dangerous escalation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia was sending a warning to Europe and the United States.
“Russia’s reported use of an Oreshnik missile is a clear escalation against Ukraine and meant as a warning to Europe and to the U.S.,” Kallas said, calling for faster delivery of air defence systems and tougher sanctions on Moscow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the strike would not deter European support for Kyiv.
“Threatening gestures are intended to instil fear, but they will not work. We stand with Ukraine,” Merz said.
Moscow said the attack hit energy infrastructure and a factory producing drones allegedly used in the supposed strike on Putin’s residence in Russia’s Novgorod region. Kyiv dismissed the claim as “an absurd lie” aimed at undermining peace efforts.
Ukraine said Russia fired 242 drones and 36 missiles overnight, striking targets in and around Kyiv as well as the western Lviv region. The Oreshnik missile was launched shortly before midnight, according to local officials.
Curated by Dr. Elena Rodriguez
