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08:11 GMT
MOSCOW, Jan 9 (KUNA) -- Russia said on Friday its armed forces launched a wide-scale military strike on vital targets in Ukraine late Thursday, saying it came in response to a recent drone attack on a presidential palace in Russia's northwestern Novgorod City.
"The Russian Armed Forces launched a massive strike with high-precision long-range land- and sea-based weapons, including the Oreshnik mobile medium-range ground-based missile system," the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement Friday.
It added that it launched its latest attack in response to Ukraine's purported attempt to hit Russian President Vladimir Putin's home last month.
The ministry pointed out that the strike targeted drone production and military infrastructure facilities in Ukraine.
The strike marks the first time in more than a year that Moscow has unleashed the Oreshnik missile system, which is one of its most advanced weapons. (end)
dan.mt