On Thursday, the Kremlin launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine following Kyiv’s recent use of American and British missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that this missile, named Oreshnik (translated as hazelnut tree), can fly at ten times the speed of sound and would be uncontrollable by U.S. air defense systems. He remarked that this missile could potentially target any ally of Ukraine that participates in attacking Russia.
During his televised address, Putin reinforced Russia’s right to respond militarily against any nation facilitating attacks on its territory after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S. ATACMS missiles earlier in the month. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that the newly launched missile was an experimental type based on the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads.
The missile strike targeted the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro and was avenged by strikes from Ukraine on southern Russia, which caused significant damage to a weapon depot in the Bryansk region. Putin warned that any escalation in aggression from Ukraine would lead to Russia responding “decisively and in kind.”
Putin stated that the Oreshnik missile hit a well-known missile factory in Dnipro and that Russia would provide advance notice of any future strikes to allow civilians to evacuate, a departure from Russia’s previous tactics. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov initially claimed no warning had been issued to the U.S., but later stated a warning was delivered 30 minutes before the launch.
U.S. officials later assessed that the missile used in the Dnipro attack was likely an intermediate-range missile, countering Ukraine’s claim it was an intercontinental ballistic missile. This escalation in tensions coincided with the Biden administration easing restrictions for Ukraine’s use of longer-range missiles against Russian targets, prompting a strong reaction from Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, labeling Russia a “crazy neighbor.” Analysts view Russia’s use of the intermediate-range missile as a signaling effort to both Ukraine and the West, highlighting its military capabilities and nuclear threat potential.
Military experts warn that modern intercontinental ballistic missiles and intermediate-range ballistic missiles are challenging to intercept. Despite concerns, the Biden administration maintained that Russia’s lowering of nuclear thresholds did not affect U.S. nuclear policy and emphasized that Russia has escalated the situation.
Over 1,000 days into the conflict, Russia has had military advantages but also faces vulnerabilities with Western missile capabilities potentially shifting the dynamics of warfare. Peter Ricketts, a former U.K. national security adviser, noted that the narrative surrounding the war was changing dramatically, indicating a shift in perceived legitimacy regarding the use of Western-supplied arms by Ukraine.
This report involved contributions from multiple Associated Press writers across London and Washington.
