Russia's Massive Attack Targets Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure Amid Tensions with Kyiv

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.