Russia launched an Oreshnik ballistic missile into western Ukraine overnight, striking near the NATO border in what Western officials call a deliberate warning to the West. Targeting the city of Lviv, which is only a few hours away from Poland, the second-ever use of this cutting-edge, nuclear-capable missile represents a risky escalation in the conflict.
What is the Oreshnik ballistic missile?
The Oreshnik is a Russian medium-to-intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) capable of carrying nuclear or conventional payloads. Its use indicates an operational range between 600 to over 3,000 miles. A key feature is its Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) system, which lets a single missile release up to six separate warheads, each able to hit different targets at hypersonic speeds close to 8,000 mph.
Why is its use a significant escalation?
The strike is a major provocation due to the missile’s capability and target location. Firing a nuclear-capable IRBM at Lviv, approximately 50 miles from the Polish border, directly challenges NATO. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it “a grave threat to the security on the European continent.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated the launch is “a clear escalation against Ukraine and meant as a warning to Europe and to the US.”
Where did the name ‘Oreshnik‘ come from?
“Oreshnik” translates to “Hazel Tree,” a name derived from the missile’s appearance during re-entry, where its separating warheads create streaks of light resembling branches. Ukrainian forces previously referred to it as “Kedr” (Cedar). U.S. analysts suggest the weapon may be an evolution of the Cold War-era RS-26 Rubezh missile.
Can Ukrainian air defenses intercept it?
No. The Oreshnik’s hypersonic speed and ballistic path—exiting the atmosphere before plunging sharply toward its target—make it almost impossible for Ukraine’s current air defenses to stop. Its MIRV system makes interception even harder by releasing multiple targets from a single launch.
Why is Russia using this weapon now?
The launch serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Saber-rattling: In the midst of increased international tensions, including U.S. activities in Venezuela, it displays Russia’s sophisticated weaponry.
- Political Signaling: The CIA contradicts Moscow’s assertion that it reacts to a claimed attack on President Putin’s home.
- Testing NATO: A strike so close to the alliance’s border casts doubt on Western resolve. The Kremlin has also hinted about stationing Oreshnik missiles in Belarus, raising direct threats to European capitals.
FAQs:
Q: Has the Oreshnik been used before?
A: Yes. Days after the United States gave Ukraine permission to employ ATACMS missiles on Russian territory, it was used for the first time in November 2024, attacking an abandoned plant in Dnipro.
Q: Does the Oreshnik carry nuclear warheads?
A: It is designed to, but both confirmed launches have used conventional explosives. U.S. officials were reportedly notified before the first launch to prevent miscalculation as a nuclear attack.
Q: What does the missile’s design reveal?
A: Ukrainian forensic experts who examined debris from the first launch reported the Oreshnik does not rely on groundbreaking new technology but utilizes known, reliable Soviet-era designs and components.
