Russia Launches Hypersonic Oreshnik Missile at Ukraine, Kyiv Denies Strike

Post by : Saif Nasser

Russia has fired its hypersonic Oreshnik missile at a target in Ukraine, claiming it was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. Ukraine denied the claim, calling it false and misleading.

The Oreshnik missile, which Russia says travels more than ten times the speed of sound, can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads. Officials confirmed that the missile used in this strike had a conventional warhead. Moscow said it targeted energy facilities and drone production centers in Ukraine. Attack drones and other long-range precision weapons were also reportedly used.

Ukraine’s western Lviv region governor confirmed a Russian strike hit an infrastructure target, with some reports suggesting it was a large underground gas storage facility. Ukrainian authorities are still assessing the damage.

Russia first used the Oreshnik in November 2024, striking a military factory in Ukraine. That missile reportedly carried dummy warheads and caused limited damage. President Putin claims the Oreshnik’s conventional warheads have destructive power comparable to nuclear weapons. However, Western officials remain skeptical about its battlefield impact.

The missile’s deployment in Belarus demonstrates Russia’s intent to strengthen its ability to strike targets across Europe if a larger conflict occurs. Analysts warn that the use of hypersonic weapons could escalate tensions in the region and complicate ongoing peace talks.

This strike highlights the dangers of advanced weapons in modern warfare and the continuing high tensions between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns over security in Eastern Europe.