Zelenskyy: Russia’s use of Oreshnik missile against Ukraine poses equal threat to many European capitals

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said that Russia’s use of the ballistic missile Oreshnik against Ukraine, including the recent attack on the Lviv region, represents the same challenge facing multiple European capitals.

Zelenskyy noted that the missile strike occurred dangerously close to EU borders, and the use of a medium-range ballistic missile constitutes a threat not only to Kyiv but also to cities such as Warsaw, Bucharest, Budapest, and others.

“Everyone must take this threat seriously. There must be a joint system of action, a collective defence system that is truly effective,” Zelenskyy said.

However, he highlighted that the question of whether such a collective defence system exists remains unanswered. “This question remains open because everyone in Europe shares the same doubt: will their capital be protected if something happens to Putin?” he said.

The Ukrainian President also described the massive Russian missile and drone attack on the night of January 9, which included medium-range ballistic missiles, as a direct demonstration of the Kremlin’s disregard for peace efforts by the United States and President Donald Trump.

The night assault on Kyiv began with kamikaze drones, followed by cruise and ballistic missile strikes. A total of 19 high-rise buildings were damaged and the Qatari embassy was also hit. The attack left 25 people injured and four dead, while 417,000 households in Kyiv remain temporarily without electricity.

In addition, Russia struck the Lviv region with a confirmed medium-range ballistic missile. The Kremlin used the false narrative of a “strike on Putin’s residence” as a pretext for the attack.

The European Union, commenting on the strike, emphasised that Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to reject diplomacy, responding with missile attacks and that the use of the Oreshnik missile is a warning to Europe and the United States.

Poland closely monitored the missile launch and Ukraine had forewarned its partners of the possible attack.