Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia deployed a medium-range ballistic missile, known as “Oreshnik,” during an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro earlier today. The announcement marks the missile’s first confirmed use, which the Kremlin described as a test launch of its “latest military technology.”
Putin revealed the information during a public address, as reported by independent outlet Meduza. He claimed that the missile targeted a defence industry facility in Dnipro, employing a non-nuclear hypersonic configuration. According to the Russian leader, the “Oreshnik” missile travels at speeds of up to 10 Mach, equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 3 kilometres per second.
He further asserted that existing air defence systems worldwide, including U.S.-developed missile defence systems deployed in Europe, cannot intercept this missile. “Interception is impossible,” Putin declared, underscoring the advanced capabilities of the weapon.
The Ukrainian authorities have yet to confirm details of the attack or the missile’s effectiveness. Dnipro has been subjected to repeated missile strikes throughout the ongoing conflict, often resulting in civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.
Putin framed the use of the “Oreshnik” missile as a retaliatory measure following Ukrainian attacks on Russian territories. He alleged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted strikes on military targets in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions on 19 and 21 November.
According to the Kremlin, Ukrainian forces used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles and Franco-British Storm Shadow (SCALP) missiles during these operations. The Russian president claimed that an attack on a command centre in the Kursk region resulted in fatalities and injuries, while a strike in the Bryansk region caused no casualties.
Putin’s announcement also referenced broader concerns over NATO’s military posture. He accused the United States of planning to manufacture and deploy medium- and short-range missiles in Europe, describing the “Oreshnik” test as a response to these developments.
Moscow has consistently criticised Western military aid to Ukraine, claiming it exacerbates the conflict, even as it intensifies its own military actions. The Kremlin has sought to justify these measures as defensive responses to perceived threats from NATO and its allies.
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