On the 21st, Russia launched its new missile “Oreshnik” targeting Ukraine, a move seen as a direct response to Ukraine’s recent attacks on Russian territory using U.S. and U.K.-supplied long-range missiles, ATACMS and Storm Shadow.
The missile deployed by Russia features Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. Developed during the Cold War, this system allows multiple warheads carried on a single missile to independently target different locations upon reentry into the atmosphere. MIRV technology enables a single missile to act as if it fired several, with the U.S.’s Minuteman-3 ICBM being the pioneer of this design.
The “Oreshnik” is reported to be an upgraded version with state-of-the-art technology. Named after the hazelnut tree—known for its branches laden with clusters of nuts—the missile’s name reflects its capability to carry and deliver multiple warheads.
Russian media reported that this marked the first time their military employed a medium-range missile with a range of 1,000–5,500 km in combat. Footage of the “Oreshnik” attack circulated on social media the same day, showing six objects descending almost vertically. Local news outlets speculated that the missile carried multiple independently targetable warheads, noting that the lack of ground explosions suggested the use of inert warheads.
In a subsequent address, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the missile as one of Russia’s latest medium-range missile systems. He highlighted its hypersonic capability, stating it could reach speeds of Mach 10 (2.5–3 km per second) to strike targets with unparalleled precision. Putin emphasized that no current global air defense systems, including those of the U.S. and Europe, are capable of intercepting such a missile.
Experts suggest that while Russia did not equip the MIRV with nuclear warheads in this instance, the demonstration serves as a warning of its potential nuclear capability in the future.
According to foreign reports, the “Oreshnik” missile possesses the power to strike Berlin in 11 minutes, London in 16 minutes, and Paris in 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, on the 23rd, Reuters, citing a senior Ukrainian military official, reported that Ukraine has ceded approximately 40% of the Kursk territory it reclaimed during its counteroffensive in August back to Russian forces.
