The wreckage of a Russian Oreshnik missile.Photo: AP / Evgeniy Maloletka.
The United States reports that Russia may be ready to use its new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine in the coming days. According to US intelligence, the Kremlin sees this weapon as a means of intimidation, although its impact on the course of the war remains debatable. This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing AP News.
The threat of the use of advanced weapons
The Oreshnik missile, which was first used on 21 November during the attack on Dnipro, is a state-of-the-art development capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 10. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that this weapon is not subject to interception and can match the destructive power of a nuclear strike. Washington believes that Moscow has only a handful of such missiles, but their possible use increases the risks to Ukraine and its allies.
Russian rhetoric and the threat
The Russian Ministry of Defence has indicated that the new missile strikes could be a response to Ukraine’s use of US ATACMS missiles to attack military facilities in Taganrog. Moscow hints at the possibility of strikes on critical targets, including government buildings in Kyiv.
International reaction and support for Ukraine
The announcement of the possible use of the Oreshnyk missile coincided with the US administration’s decision to provide Ukraine with a new $988 million military aid package. The package includes additional HIMARS systems and anti-drone capabilities as part of broader Western support.
Developments with the launch of the Oreshnik missile could have a significant impact on the course of the war and future diplomatic negotiations. Against the backdrop of the inauguration of the new US president, the world is once again witnessing an escalation of the conflict, which could threaten security throughout the region.
