Deadly overnight barrage kills four as Moscow cites disputed Putin residence claim
January 9, 2026: Russia deployed its hypersonic Oreshnik missile against Ukraine for only the second time during a massive overnight assault on Kyiv, killing at least four people and injuring 25. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired 13 ballistic missiles, 22 cruise missiles and 242 drones, damaging civilian areas and the Qatari Embassy.
Moscow claimed the strike was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, a charge denied by Kyiv and dismissed by US President Donald Trump. Ukraine’s foreign minister called the assault a grave threat to European security, while the EU described the missile’s use as a clear escalation.
The attack followed warnings from Zelensky about a renewed Russian offensive exploiting harsh winter conditions. Russia says the Oreshnik missile travels at hypersonic speed and is nearly impossible to intercept. First used in November 2024, it underscores intensifying warfare as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.