Russia’s Oreshnik strike was rather demonstration, than real damage - Ukrainian analyst

He highlighted that Oreshnik strike was relatively weak and symbolic in nature.

"It was intended as a signal to U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia is capable of using the missile — but without hitting decision-making centers in Kyiv, which he described as a so-called 'gesture of goodwill',” he said.

At the same time, Denysenko believes the Kremlin has now “wasted its imaginary trump card” linked to claims about an attack on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s residence on Dec. 29.

Denysenko stressed that the Kremlin’s main strategy remains unchanged: blackouts. He added that Putin still believes Ukraine can be destabilized this winter and that the front can be forced to collapse.

He also noted that draft negotiation documents were delivered to Russia yesterday, leaving Moscow only a few weeks to invent new excuses for why talks are supposedly failing.

"Russia’s current strategy is to drag out time," Denysenko said.

"The Kremlin is actively searching for ways to prolong the process, even as Trump pushes to accelerate negotiations.  Putin’s room for maneuver is narrowing. Yet he still operates under the assumption that even if he keeps delaying, Trump will do nothing to him."

"U.S. actions against the so-called shadow fleet will be the main factor influencing Putin’s willingness to enter real negotiations," he added.

On Jan. 9, Russia launched a missile strike on Lviv Oblast infrastructure. Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said launches of the Oreshnik missile from Russia’s Kapustin Yar testing range could not be ruled out.

Ukraine’s Western Air Command later reported that the ballistic missile used in the strike was flying at a speed of about 13,000 kilometers per hour. Its exact type will be determined after all fragments are examined.

Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi confirmed a hit on a critical infrastructure facility and reported partial disruptions to gas supplies.