Russia Uses Orechnik Hypersonic Missile in Recent Attacks on Ukraine

Russia has deployed the Orechnik, a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile, during recent overnight strikes against Ukraine. The attacks, which targeted the capital, Kiev, resulted in at least four deaths and over one hundred injuries.

Key points

• The Orechnik is a hypersonic ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple independent warheads, with a range between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers.
• This marks the third reported use of the Orechnik in the conflict, following previous deployments in November 2024 and January 2026.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the use of the weapon, while Russian officials have previously described its impact as comparable to a meteorite.
• Military analysts note that while the missile is designed for deterrence, its effectiveness against modern air defense systems remains a subject of debate.

Why it matters

The use of the Orechnik missile represents a significant escalation in the conflict, highlighting Russia's reliance on advanced weaponry to exert psychological pressure and demonstrate military capabilities.