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Russia's Hypersonic Missile Strikes Ukraine, Sparks Global Outrage

1/14/2026

29 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Russia launched its hypersonic Oreshnik missile in its second use in the conflict, striking Lviv and targeting civilian infrastructure, and causing at least four fatalities in Kyiv.
Ukrainian officials condemned the attack as a war crime, and the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting.
President Vladimir Putin said the missile is nearly impossible to intercept and warned NATO allies, as European leaders condemned the action.

History

Historical Context

The Soviet Union's successful atomic bomb test in 1949 escalated the arms race, prompting the formation of NATO to counter Soviet threats. On November 21, 2024, Russia launched the Oreshnik missile against Ukraine, utilizing a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) system. This marked a significant development in military technology, raising international tensions and challenging global security frameworks.

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Story summary

Russia launched its hypersonic Oreshnik missile in its second use in the conflict, striking Lviv and targeting civilian infrastructure, and causing at least four fatalities in Kyiv.
Ukrainian officials condemned the attack as a war crime, and the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting.
President Vladimir Putin said the missile is nearly impossible to intercept and warned NATO allies, as European leaders condemned the action.

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