Oreshnik: Putin's 'unstoppable' ballistic missile

Are the Russian claims about this missile true?

A constant threat

Forbes writes that on February 6, there were fears that Russia launched an Oreshnik missile against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The report was later dismissed by Kyiv, but reveals the contrast threat Moscow's new weapon looms over Ukraine and the West.

Are the Russian claims about this missile true?

According to Newsweek, a prominent Russian politician has stated that Russia's newly battle-tested missile can withstand Western air defense systems.

Putin's right-hand

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, one of Vladimir Putin’s closest allies in politics, posted on his Telegram channel about the new medium-range ballistic missile.

What went down in Dnipro

The missile, dubbed Oreshnik, was used back in November 2024 over the Ukrainian city of Dnipro and was first reported as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile or ICBM by the Kyiv government.

A new experimental weapon

Since then, the Russian government headed by Vladimir Putin has confirmed that the weapon used in Dnipro in November 2024 was a new, experimental middle-range ballistic missile carrying a nuclear-free supersonic system.

Russia's right to bear arms?

“Russia reserves the right to use weapons against military targets in countries permitting strikes on Russian soil”, Vladimir Putin declared, as quoted by Newsweek.

Dnipro for Kursk

According to Putin, the missile attack to Dnipro in November 2024 was in response to Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles in the Russian region of Kursk.

Nuclear fears

IBCM or not, many people have speculated what this new, experimental missile would do if provided with a nuclear warhead.

A threat to European capitals?

Medvedev claims that this new missile is impossible to shoot down and can reach the European major cities in a matter of minutes, Newsweek writes.

Impossible to shoot down?

“Europe is wondering what damage the system can cause if the heads are nuclear, whether it is possible to shoot down these missiles and how quickly the missiles will reach the capitals of the Old World”, Medvedev wrote over Telegram.

Nuclear extortion

“Bomb shelters will not help”, Medvedev said. “The only hope is that kind Russia will warn about launches in advance. Therefore, it is better to stop supporting the war”.

Russia's game changer?

With the war in its third year and both sides showing signs of exhaustion, many people are wondering if this could be the game changer that Russia needed to obtain a military victory.

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