Moldova condemns Russia's use of Oreshnik ballistic missile in Ukraine strikes
Moldova’s top leadership has issued a sharp condemnation of Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik ballistic missile during the January 9 strikes on Ukraine.
President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu both issued statements reaffirming the nation’s support for a just peace as the conflict escalates near Moldova's borders.
President Maia Sandu characterized the launch as a calculated act of terror intended to intimidate Kyiv and its Western allies. The missile strikes targeted civilian housing and critical energy infrastructure across Ukraine. "We firmly condemn Russia’s launch of an Oreshnik missile, which hit energy infrastructure and homes," Sandu stated on X. "This act of terror aims to intimidate Ukraine and its partners. The war is moving closer to Europe and represents a danger to us all."
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu echoed these concerns, highlighting the immediate humanitarian impact of the assault. The strikes reportedly left residents in Kyiv, Lviv, and Kryvyi Rih without electricity and running water during the winter freeze.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the massive missile and drone wave. Moscow claimed the use of the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile was a "retaliatory response" to an alleged Ukrainian drone attempt on the Kremlin on December 29.
Ukrainian authorities have reported at least four fatalities and more than ten injuries following the strikes.
Explosions in Lviv and other regions have caused significant damage to the national power grid, further complicating the humanitarian situation in the region.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
