Putin Reveals Details of Hypersonic ‘Oreshnik’ Missile Used in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently provided details about the “Oreshnik” missile, which was first deployed in Ukraine in November. This hypersonic ballistic missile has destructive elements that reach temperatures exceeding 4,000 degrees Celsius (over 7,000 degrees Fahrenheit).

During a state visit to Kazakhstan, Putin described the Oreshnik as a “high-precision and high-power weapon.” He emphasized that it is non-nuclear, stating it does not cause environmental contamination. He explained the missile’s destructive capabilities, saying it can reduce everything at its center to ash and affect objects located several floors below the impact site.

Putin also noted that firing multiple Oreshnik missiles can produce damage comparable to a nuclear strike. The UK Ministry of Defence indicated that the Oreshnik is likely a variant of the Rubezh RS-26 ballistic missile, which is solid-fueled and road-mobile. During a strike on a munitions factory in Dnipro, the missile carried six groups of six warheads that travel at hypersonic speeds.

The Oreshnik’s estimated range of up to 5,800 km (about 3,600 miles) allows it to hit targets across Europe and the UK. Former Australian Army Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan remarked that the missile’s range sends a clear message to the West, indicating the importance of this development in the geopolitical landscape.