Russia showcased its military prowess by launching the new hypersonic missile Oreschnik at a Soviet-era arms factory in Dnipro, Ukraine, in response to Western arms supplies to Ukraine. President Putin emphasized the need for such actions following attacks on Russian territory, asserting that the conflict has global implications. He linked the missile’s development to the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty and warned of future military responses while promising civilian notifications before any missile strikes.
Russia Launches New Hypersonic Missile Against Ukraine
On Thursday, Russia executed a striking demonstration of its military capabilities by deploying a newly developed hypersonic medium-range missile known as Oreschnik (translating to “little nut grove” or “hazel bush”) targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. This announcement came from Russian President Vladimir Putin during an unexpected television address that evening. He clarified that the chosen target was a Soviet-era arms factory located in Dnipro, a move he described as a response to the West’s provision of long-range weaponry to Ukraine, enabling strikes into Russian territory.
Putin’s Assertions and Military Developments
During his speech, Putin confirmed recent attacks on Russian territories, notably in Bryansk and Kursk, highlighting that these operations included an ammunition depot and a military command post. He claimed that Russian forces successfully repelled these attacks, which were executed using Atacms missiles in Bryansk and British-French Storm Shadow cruise missiles in Kursk, despite reported casualties among security personnel in Kursk.
Putin reiterated that these advanced weapon systems could only be operated by Western specialists, suggesting that the conflict in Ukraine has escalated to a global scale. He warned that Russia reserves the right to target military objectives associated with nations involved in these assaults and cautioned against any illusions of a strategic defeat for Russia or altering the course of the ongoing “military special operation.”
The missile strikes on Dnipro, which occurred early Thursday, ignited speculation regarding the type of weapon used by Russian forces. While Ukrainian military officials suspected an intercontinental missile was involved, experts debated the rationale behind such an action. Putin’s announcement confirmed the first use of the Oreschnik missile system, leaving military analysts puzzled about its specifications and capabilities.
Putin linked the development of the Oreschnik missile to the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) in early 2019, labeling it a significant mistake by the U.S. He pointed out that the U.S. had previously accused Russia of violating the treaty with the development of the cruise missile 9M729 (NATO designation: SSC-8), a claim that Moscow has consistently denied while struggling to provide credible evidence for its stance. Following the dissolution of the INF Treaty, it was revealed that Russia was also working on a new ballistic medium-range missile, but its specifics remain largely unknown even among military experts.
Putin characterized Thursday’s missile launch as a successful test of this new system and a necessary response to perceived aggression from the U.S. and NATO allies. He indicated that future tests of these missile systems would be contingent upon threats to Russian security. Furthermore, he promised that if Oreschnik missiles were to be deployed against Ukrainian targets again, the civilian population would receive prior notice, citing the technical impossibility of intercepting the missiles as a reason for this humanitarian approach.
Putin’s unexpected speech seemed to target both the U.S. and its Western allies, as well as his domestic audience. In previous addresses in September and October, he had outlined the potential consequences of Western weapon usage, warning of direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. This latest warning appears aimed at stirring public sentiment in the West, encouraging citizens to challenge their political leaders more vigorously.
His remarks coincided with the implementation of an updated nuclear doctrine, likely intended to serve as an external deterrent while reinforcing Russia’s internal strength. Over the nearly three years of conflict in Ukraine, the Kremlin has frequently altered its “red lines,” a move that has frustrated hardline factions within Russia. The general populace, many of whom are reluctantly supportive of the war, harbors fears of a third world war. Through this address, Putin aimed to convey a sense of control over the situation, contrasting Russia’s prudence with perceived recklessness from the West.