(Moscow) – Russia tested a new experimental hypersonic ballistic missile against Ukraine, citing Western long-range weapon support for Kyiv as justification.
Russia has confirmed launching an experimental hypersonic ballistic missile, “Oreshnik,” at a Ukrainian defense facility on November 21. The strike was presented by President Vladimir Putin as a direct response to Ukraine’s new capability to strike Russian territory with U.S. and British-supplied long-range weapons.
Putin announced the missile test during a televised address, marking his most explicit warning yet regarding NATO’s involvement in the conflict. He claimed the missile, equipped with a non-nuclear hypersonic warhead, successfully hit its target at a speed of 2.5 to 3 kilometers per second. Russia, he asserted, remains justified in striking military targets in any nation supporting Ukraine militarily.
The announcement follows Kyiv’s accusation that Russia deployed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during overnight strikes on Dnipro, though Western sources later stated the attacks involved shorter-range missiles. The “Oreshnik” missile test highlights a growing reliance on advanced weaponry as Russia aims to assert dominance amid a war characterized by prolonged setbacks and shifting global alliances.
Putin also emphasized that future deployments of the Oreshnik system would include public warnings to ensure civilian evacuations, asserting Russia’s humanitarian approach to warfare. The missile’s debut in combat, however, has raised alarms among experts and Western officials.
A U.S. official confirmed the missile test but downplayed its broader significance, noting that Russia likely possesses only a few of these experimental weapons. The Pentagon acknowledged that Moscow had informed Washington in advance through nuclear risk reduction channels, signaling the test as a calculated display rather than an immediate strategic shift.
Analysts argue the launch serves dual purposes: demonstrating Russia’s military advancements and intimidating Ukraine and its allies. With Ukraine now authorized to use long-range Western missiles, this escalation comes alongside Putin’s recent decision to lower the threshold for nuclear weapon deployment.
The West has strongly condemned Russia’s actions, with several countries temporarily closing their embassies in Kyiv amid warnings of possible attacks on the Ukrainian capital. The Pentagon characterized Russia’s threats as reckless, while U.S. officials warned against allowing such provocations to deter support for Ukraine.
Key Facts About the Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed | 2.5–3 kilometers per second |
| Range | Medium-range, experimental system |
| Warhead | Non-nuclear hypersonic warhead |
| Status | First combat use reported |
| Key Target | Ukrainian defense industry facility |