Russia Deploys Rare Oreshnik Missile in Strike on Ukraine
Kyiv – Russia deployed the rarely-used Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile in a massive overnight strike on Ukraine, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. The attack, which occurred Thursday night, killed four people and injured 25 others in Kyiv, according to authorities. Loud booms were heard for several hours, and explosions lit up the sky.
This marks only the second known use of the Oreshnik missile, which was first deployed in Dnipro in November 2024, according to BBC World. The advanced weapon is capable of reaching targets up to 5,500km and features a fragmented warhead designed to inflict widespread damage.
Russia's defense ministry claimed the strike was a response to a Ukrainian drone attack targeting Vladimir Putin's residence in late December. Kyiv has denied carrying out the attack. While the ministry did not specify what, the strikes highlight the complex geopolitical tensions and the potential for further escalation in the region.
The deployment of the Oreshnik missile raises concerns about the evolving nature of warfare and its proximity to EU borders. The BBC reported that the strikes resulted in casualties and infrastructure damage.
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