U.S. Labels Russia’s Oreshnik Missile Launch Near Poland Dangerous Escalation
Updated (2 articles)
UN Security Council Convenes Emergency Session on Russian Missile Attack On 13 January 2026 the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting after the United States deputy ambassador Tammy Bruce condemned Russia’s launch of a nuclear‑capable Oreshnik ballistic missile near Poland, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that tests Western resolve and regional stability[1].
Russia Deploys Nuclear‑Capable Oreshnik Ballistic Missile The Oreshnik, a hypersonic missile, was fired as part of an overnight assault that also involved hundreds of drones and dozens of conventional missiles targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, signaling a direct warning to NATO allies[1].
Ukraine Calls for Council Meeting After Massive Drone and Missile Barrage Kyiv requested the Security Council session following the large‑scale attack, emphasizing the scale of the drone and missile strike and urging international condemnation of Russia’s actions[1].
Peace Framework Discussions Continue Amid Heightened Tensions Despite the escalation, Ukrainian officials and allies reported progress on a potential U.S.–led peace framework that would outline defense arrangements should a settlement be reached, suggesting a parallel diplomatic track despite ongoing hostilities[1].
Bilateral Relations Strain Over Recent Oil Tanker Seizure The missile launch occurred amid a fresh diplomatic chill after Russia condemned the United States for seizing an oil tanker in the North Atlantic, further complicating Moscow‑Washington relations[1].
Timeline
Dec 4, 2025 – Putin tells Trump’s envoy that key elements of the U.S. 28‑point Ukraine peace plan are “unacceptable,” rejecting them and leaving the Kremlin’s stance on a deal unclear; the proposal is trimmed to 27 points split into four packages, while Russian forces fire two ballistic missiles and 138 drones at Ukrainian cities, damaging a school and forcing the Kherson Thermal Power Plant offline, which prompts emergency heating for over 40,000 residents; European leaders criticize the rejection and China says it supports all peace efforts [2].
Dec 5, 2025 – A tentative meeting between Jared Kushner and Ukrainian delegate Rustem Umerov is scheduled for 5 p.m. EST at the Shell Bay Club in Hallandale Beach, though no formal confirmation appears, indicating a possible diplomatic channel for the U.S. peace initiative [2].
Jan 13, 2026 – At a U.N. Security Council emergency session, U.S. deputy ambassador Tammy Bruce labels Russia’s launch of a nuclear‑capable Oreshnik ballistic missile near Poland a “dangerous escalation,” condemning attacks on energy infrastructure and warning that the strike tests Western resolve and regional stability [1].
Jan 13, 2026 – Ukraine requests the Security Council meeting after an overnight Russian assault that deploys hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the hypersonic Oreshnik, which Kyiv frames as a warning to NATO allies and a catalyst for renewed calls for a defense framework tied to a potential U.S.-led peace deal [1].
Jan 13, 2026 – Russia’s U.N. ambassador argues that any negotiations require Kyiv to accept “realistic conditions,” while Ukraine’s ambassador counters that Russia’s portrayal of strength is hollow and highlights its own vulnerability, underscoring the diplomatic deadlock over the peace process [1].
Jan 13, 2026 – The United States seizes an oil tanker in the North Atlantic, prompting a fresh chill in Moscow‑Washington relations and complicating diplomatic efforts amid the broader conflict [1].
Jan 13, 2026 – Ukraine and its allies report progress toward agreeing on how to defend Kyiv if a U.S.-led peace framework is adopted, suggesting a possible path to de‑escalation despite the recent missile launch [1].