Russia Fires Hypersonic Oreshnik Missile at Ukraine

On 9 January 2026, Russia fired its hypersonic Oreshnik missile at a target in Ukraine, marking the second known use of the weapon. The missile, which can travel 3,000–5,500 km and reach speeds of Mach 10, is designed to carry nuclear warheads but was launched without one. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the missile is impossible to intercept and that mass production would begin soon. Military analyst Sean Bell noted the missile can carry 6–8 individually programmable warheads, enabling simultaneous strikes on multiple targets. The launch was reportedly in retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack on a Putin residence and targeted critical Ukrainian infrastructure.