Russia Fires Oreshnik Ballistic Missile in Overnight Strike on Ukraine
January 9, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1767945030312-1817
Russia’s Ministry of Defense said it launched its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile as part of a massive overnight attack targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and drone manufacturing sites. The strike was reportedly retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Valdai in late December. According to AeroTime, analysts noted that the likely intended target may have been Ukraine’s largest underground gas storage facility near Stryi in the Lviv region. This could have both domestic and regional consequences, as parts of Europe rely on Ukrainian transit and storage capacity for heating during cold months. The strike would not mark the first operational use of Oreshnik against Ukraine, having previously been tested in November 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Russia launched its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile as part of a massive overnight attack.
- The strike targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure and drone manufacturing sites.
- Ukraine denied carrying out any such strike, claiming it was part of a Russian disinformation effort.
- 36 missiles and 242 drones were launched during the nighttime attack.
- 244 aerial targets were shot down or neutralized by Ukrainian air defenses.
Strategic Implications
The Oreshnik missile’s deployment may indicate Russia’s continued focus on expanding its long-range strike capabilities. The strike could have significant implications for Ukraine’s energy security and European transit capacity, suggesting a potential escalation in tensions between the two nations.