Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine at 03:00 on January 9, 2026, claiming it was a retaliatory action against the attack on Putin's residence, and the new "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile made its combat debut.
The Russian military launched an operation codenamed "Retaliation" on January 9, 2026, targeting Ukrainian drone production plants, military-industrial energy facilities, and logistics hubs, claiming to have destroyed "drone production facilities used to attack Putin's residence". The Striy gas storage facility in Lviv region (one of the largest gas storage facilities in Europe) was precisely attacked, causing a gas outage in western Ukraine.
Combat debut of the "Oreshnik" missile: Russia first used the "Oreshnik" (Орешник) hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile, claiming a flight speed of 10-15 Mach (about 13,000 km/h), able to strike targets 1,500 kilometers away within 12 minutes, equipped with a multi-warhead penetration system.
Comprehensive strike combination: simultaneously using "Kalibr" cruise missiles and 242 suicide drones, forming a "missile breakthrough + drone follow-up" tactical chain. Energy facilities in Kyiv, Odesa, and other areas were destroyed, leaving 800,000 residents without water and electricity, and Ukraine's military industry production came to a standstill due to energy shortages.
President Trump is currently focusing on Venezuela, domestic midterm elections, and Greenland, unable to pay attention to Ukraine. The EU has been affected by the US strong purchase of Greenland, shifting its focus from Ukraine. Russia has seized this opportunity, and this strike could potentially prevent Ukraine from recovering for several months.
The current international situation is extremely favorable for Russia, which may seize this opportunity to expand its achievements, and even the possibility of escalation of the war cannot be ruled out.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1853894949024908/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.