After all, how dangerous is Russia’s ‘Oreshnik’ missile?

Russia has confirmed that it used a nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile in a major overnight attack on Ukraine. Four people died in this attack, while dozens of people were injured.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the attack was carried out in response to Ukraine’s attacks on civilian infrastructure inside Russia. According to Moscow, along with Oreshnik ballistic missile, Iskander, Kinzhal and Tsirkon missile systems were also used in this operation.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the use of the Oreshnik missile as a “political intimidation tactic”. He said the use of weapons capable of carrying nuclear warheads was a “grossly irresponsible display of nuclear power.”

What is Oreshnik hypersonic missile?

• The Oreshnik hypersonic missile is an intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia claims that it is capable of attacking large parts of Europe and can dodge modern air defense systems.
• According to Euro News report, Russia classifies Oreshnik as an intermediate-range ballistic missile. This means that it can hit targets located at a distance of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers.
• The first use of this missile was seen in 2024 during the attack on Dnipro city of Ukraine.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin described the Oreshnik as a “state-of-the-art” weapon. He had said that this missile can carry multiple warheads and is capable of flying at hypersonic speed.
• Putin had claimed that when this missile collides, it produces a lot of heat and it can destroy even the safe targets in depth.
• Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko also admitted that this missile has been deployed in his country.
• According to the Kremlin, the Oreshnik missile flies at a speed of approximately Mach 10, that is, it is about 10 times faster than the speed of sound. Russia claims that it is almost impossible for the existing air defense system to stop it.

Can it carry nuclear weapons?

According to Euro News, Russian officials say that the Oreshnik missile is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. However, during its first use in Ukraine, non-nuclear or dummy warheads were used.