Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, condemned Russia’s reported launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), the so-called “Oreshnik,” targeting the Lviv region, calling it a “grave threat to the security of the European continent.”
In a statement on X, Sybiha said the strike, close to the EU and NATO border, “is a test for the transatlantic community” and demanded “strong responses to Russia’s reckless actions.”
He added that Ukraine has informed the United States, European partners, and international organizations about the attack through diplomatic channels.
Sybiha dismissed Russia’s claim that the strike was retaliation for an alleged attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, calling it “absurd” and “another proof that Moscow does not need any real reasons for its terror and war.”
“Putin uses an IRBM near EU and NATO border in response to his own hallucinations – this is truly a global threat,” Sybiha said, urging coordinated international action.
A Kyiv Post fact check found little evidence supporting Russian claims that Ukraine attempted to strike Putin’s residence near Valdai with drones on Dec. 29.
Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, called the reports false, accusing Moscow of fabricating the incident to justify withdrawing from peace talks.
While Ukrainian drones were active elsewhere in Russia and occupied territory that night, local Novgorod media, emergency channels, and air defense trackers reported no activity near Putin’s home, casting serious doubt on Moscow’s claims.
Even the United States CIA dismissed Russian claims of an attack.
Kremlin officials insisted the attack occurred, but provided no evidence.
Sybiha called for stronger measures against Russia’s oil revenues, tanker fleet, and assets worldwide.
According to the foreign minister, Ukraine plans to push for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, discussions within the Ukraine-NATO Council, and responses across the EU, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.
Russia confirmed it struck Ukraine overnight with an Oreshnik missile, describing the attack as retaliation for an alleged “terrorist attack” on Putin’s residence in Novgorod Oblast on Dec. 29, 2025.
Overnight explosions were reported in the Lviv region, later confirmed by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy and Maksym Kozytsky, head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration.
Preliminary reports indicate a critical infrastructure facility was hit, though no residential buildings or civilian sites were damaged.
Ukraine’s Air Force said a nationwide missile alert was declared at 11:30 p.m. due to threats from Kapustin Yar, home to RS-26 Rubezh missile systems, capable of nuclear strikes at up to 6,000 km (3,728 miles).
The missile reportedly traveled at 13,000 km/h (8,078 mph), though its type has not been confirmed. Radiation levels at the site were normal, and no harmful substances were detected.
A senior-linked monitoring channel, Nikolaevsky Vanek, suggested the Oreshnik may have been launched without a warhead, as in the previous strike on Dnipro in November 2024.
Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed that one medium-range ballistic missile was launched from Kapustin Yar.
This is the second reported use of the Oreshnik against Ukraine.