What Makes Russia’s Oreshnik Missile So Dangerous to the West?
News Desk
Moscow: Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile has once again drawn global attention after its reported use in attacks on Ukraine, sparking concern among Western governments and defense analysts over the weapon’s speed, range and strategic messaging.
The Oreshnik missile, whose name translates to “hazel tree” in Russian, is a medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile believed to be based on the Russian RS-26 Rubezh system. Russia first used the missile against Ukraine in November 2024, with additional reported launches in 2026.
Defense experts say the missile’s most notable feature is its ability to carry multiple independently targetable warheads, known as MIRVs, allowing it to strike several targets simultaneously after launch.
This technology is more commonly associated with long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles and has raised concerns among NATO countries about the weapon’s battlefield flexibility and deterrence value.
Like many advanced Russian missile systems, the Oreshnik can reportedly carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed the missile is nearly impossible to intercept and said its destructive capability can rival that of a nuclear strike even when equipped with conventional explosives. Western analysts, however, have described some of those claims as exaggerated.
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According to Ukrainian officials, one of the missile launches reached speeds of roughly 13,000 kilometres per hour, more than 10 times the speed of sound. Analysts say such velocity significantly reduces interception time for air defense systems.
Despite concerns surrounding the weapon, US officials and several Western defense experts have argued that the missile is not yet a “game changer.” Reports indicate Russia possesses only a limited number of Oreshnik systems and is still developing the program.
Russia nevertheless appears to be expanding production and deployment of the missile. Analysts say Moscow has also transferred elements of the system to Belarus, increasing anxiety among European NATO members about the missile’s regional reach.
Interestingly, recent Oreshnik strikes caused limited physical destruction. Ukrainian officials alleged that in one attack Russia used dummy warheads rather than live explosives, causing only minor structural damage and craters in the ground.
According to security analysts, the purpose of the launch may have been psychological rather than tactical, intended to demonstrate Russia’s military capabilities and warn the West against deeper involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine’s European allies accuse Moscow of using the missile as a tool of intimidation, particularly as Britain and France discuss possible security deployments in support of Ukraine after any future ceasefire agreement.
Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops stationed in Ukraine could become legitimate military targets.
Political analysts also believe the Kremlin is using the Oreshnik program to reinforce its military image globally amid mounting diplomatic and economic pressure linked to the war in Ukraine. Experts say Russia is likely to use the missile sparingly due to its limited stockpile and strategic value.
