Russian President Vladimir Putin conducts an exercise of Russia’s strategic nuclear deterrence forces to train actions of officials on operating nuclear weapons with practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles, via video link at the Kremlin, in Moscow, Russia October 29, 2024. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS
Putin Announces Continued Missile Testing
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that Russia would persist in testing its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile under combat conditions, with a stockpile of the weapon ready for deployment. The announcement followed the missile’s first use in Ukraine, which Putin described as a successful test.
“We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and the nature of the security threats that are created for Russia,” Putin said in a televised address to defense officials and missile developers. He added, “Moreover, we have a stock of such products, a stock of such systems ready for use.”
Overview of the Oreshnik Missile
The Oreshnik missile is an intermediate-range weapon with a range of 3,000–5,500 kilometers (1,860–3,415 miles), making it capable of striking targets across Europe and parts of the western United States. Security experts highlighted its ability to carry multiple warheads capable of hitting separate targets simultaneously—a feature typically associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles designed for nuclear payloads.
Ukraine reported that the missile achieved speeds exceeding 13,000 kilometers per hour (8,000 mph) and took approximately 15 minutes to reach its target after launch.
Escalation of the Conflict
The missile launch represents an escalation amid increasing use of advanced weaponry by both Ukraine and Russia. Russia’s decision to deploy the Oreshnik came in response to Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ballistic missiles and British cruise missiles in recent attacks on Russian territory.
On Tuesday, President Putin approved policy changes lowering the threshold for Russia’s potential use of nuclear weapons in response to conventional attacks, a move that underscores the intensifying conflict.
Ukrainian and International Responses
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned Russia’s use of the Oreshnik missile, calling it “a clear and severe escalation” and urging strong international condemnation. He also emphasized Ukraine’s efforts to develop new air defense systems to address emerging threats.
The Kremlin described the missile launch as a warning to the West, urging restraint in further supporting Ukraine with military aid.
Non-Nuclear but High-Impact Capability
President Putin clarified that the Oreshnik missile was equipped with conventional warheads and not classified as a strategic nuclear weapon. However, he emphasized its striking power and accuracy, noting that its impact could rival that of a nuclear strike when deployed in large numbers and in conjunction with other high-precision systems.
Putin highlighted the missile’s unique capabilities, stating, “There is no countermeasure to such a missile, no means of intercepting it, in the world today.” He further stressed the necessity of continued testing and advancing to serial production of the weapon.
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