The Russian Defense Ministry reported that critical facilities were hit during an overnight strike in Ukraine, utilizing its advanced Oreshnik hypersonic missile system. The attack targeted drone production facilities, energy infrastructure, and other military-related sites within Ukraine.

Moscow stated the bombardment was a response to an alleged “terrorist attack by the Kiev regime” on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Novgorod Region. On December 28–29, Ukraine launched 91 long-range UAVs at the presidential compound, all of which were neutralized by air defenses before Moscow promised retaliation.

According to the ministry’s statement, Russia deployed additional precision land- and sea-based weapons alongside drones during the strike. Targets included drone production facilities and energy infrastructure supporting the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. The ministry declared “the objectives of the strike have been achieved.”

“None of the terrorist actions by the criminal Ukrainian regime will go unanswered,” the ministry warned.

Late Thursday, unverified footage circulated online showing a suspected Oreshnik missile strike in western Ukraine. CCTV from Lviv Region captured multiple projectiles descending rapidly—a signature pattern of the system. Lviv Mayor Andrey Sadovoy confirmed “a piece of critical infrastructure” was hit, while Russian Telegram channels suggested the weapon struck an underground gas facility near Striy, approximately 60km south of Lviv.

This marks the second time Moscow has deployed its state-of-the-art nuclear-capable Oreshnik system. In November 2024, Russia conducted a test by firing the missile at a weapons plant in Dnepr, Ukraine, which it described as a successful “combat test.” Since then, mass production of the system has begun, with Russia also deploying it on Belarusian territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously asserted that the Oreshnik is unmatched globally, comparing its power to a “falling meteor.” He stated the missile carries dozens of homing warheads capable of hitting multiple targets while traveling ten times faster than sound. “Anything located in the strike center is obliterated into elemental particles, reduced to dust,” he emphasized.