Russia Launches Large-Scale Airstrikes on Ukraine, Deploys Hypersonic Missiles

Russia carried out large-scale overnight airstrikes on key cities in Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv and the major western city of Lviv.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on X (formerly Twitter) on January 9 (local time), "Last night, there were airstrikes involving 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, 1 Oresinnyk medium-range ballistic missile, and 22 cruise missiles."

According to foreign media reports, Russia's hypersonic ballistic missile, traveling at approximately 13,000 km/h, struck critical infrastructure in Lviv. No casualties have been reported. This speed is about 10 times the speed of sound, making it impossible for Ukraine's current air defense systems to intercept.

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The Russian Ministry of Defense announced, "We used the Oresinnyk missile in a large-scale strike on key Ukrainian targets." The use of this latest missile to strike Lviv, which borders Poland, is seen as a strong warning message to Western allies.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Photo by Yonhap News

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, stated, "Russia does not want peace and responds to diplomacy with more missiles and destruction," adding, "The reported use of the Oresinnyk missile is a clear escalation against Ukraine and a warning to Europe and the United States." A spokesperson for the German government said, "Russia continues to escalate the conflict," and added, "We condemn this in the strongest possible terms."