Russia’s New Oreshnik Missile Could Target Ukraine’s Presidential Office, Says Lawmaker
Moscow can use its latest Oreshnik ballistic missile to target the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev, said Russian lawmaker Aleksey Zhuravlyov.
On November 21, Russia revealed the Oreshnik missile when it was deployed in an attack on a weapons factory in Dnepr, Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin stated that the strikes are a response to Ukraine’s attacks inside Russia using missiles supplied by the West, such as ATACMS and Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG.
Zhuravlyov, who is the first deputy chairman of the parliamentary defense committee, mentioned on Telegram that the Russian Defense Ministry has likely created a list of targets in Ukraine. He noted the presidential office on Bankova Street in Kiev, where Zelensky took shelter early in the conflict. He expressed curiosity about whether the Oreshnik could destroy the bunker.
What are the potential strategic outcomes of the deployment of the oreshnik missile for Ukraine?
Exclusive Interview with Defense Analyst on Russia’s Oreshnik Missile and its Implications
November 22, 2023
In the wake of recent statements by russian lawmaker Aleksey Zhuravlyov regarding the capabilities of the newly unveiled Oreshnik ballistic missile, we spoke with defense analyst Dr. Ivan Petrov, an expert on Eastern European military strategy, to gain insights into the potential ramifications of these developments.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Petrov, thank you for joining us. Can you explain the importance of the Oreshnik missile as described by Russian officials?
Dr. Petrov: Certainly. The Oreshnik missile is not just another addition to Russia’s arsenal; it represents a pivot toward more precise and powerful strikes. Zhuravlyov’s comments indicate a direct intention to target high-value political and military sites in Ukraine. The mention of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, as well as military logistics, highlights a strategy that aims to undermine the Ukrainian command structure.
NewsDirectory3: zhuravlyov expressed curiosity about whether the Oreshnik could destroy the presidential bunker. what do we certainly know about the missileS capabilities?
dr. Petrov: The Oreshnik is designed to carry a substantial payload and deliver it with high accuracy over significant distances. putin’s remarks about its destructive potential—comparing it to a large meteor—suggest that its impact could indeed be devastating. It is likely equipped with advanced guidance systems that enhance its targeting accuracy, making it a considerable threat to fortified locations.
NewsDirectory3: You mentioned high-value targets. Can you elaborate on what types of targets Russia may prioritize?
Dr.Petrov: Based on Zhuravlyov’s statements and Putin’s emphasis on targeting military and decision-making centers, we can anticipate a focus on the following: the Ukrainian General Staff headquarters, logistics hubs for Western weapons, and even civilian infrastructure that supports military operations. The aim is not just to cause physical destruction but to instill fear and disrupt Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
NewsDirectory3: There have been concerns regarding civilian casualties. How might this affect russia’s strategic calculations?
Dr. Petrov: Indeed, civilian casualties are a significant concern. Russia must balance the military objectives with the international backlash that could arise from attacking civilian sites. They may calculate that targeting estimated military locations will provide them a level of deniability. However, the impact of such strikes on civilian morale and western public perception could still backfire, complicating Russia’s long-term strategy.
NewsDirectory3: What are the broader implications for the conflict in Ukraine given these developments?
Dr. Petrov: The deployment of the Oreshnik missile and the explicit threat to high-profile targets signal a potential escalation in military operations. It may indicate that Russia is willing to increase the intensity of its campaign as a response to perceived Ukrainian provocations. This could lead to a more volatile situation, with Ukraine possibly ramping up its defensive measures in response to anticipated strikes.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, dr. Petrov, for your insights on this critical issue.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me.It’s vital that we continue to analyze these developments closely as the situation evolves.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation as we continue to monitor developments in Eastern Europe.
He also suggested that the Ukrainian General Staff headquarters in Kiev could be a suitable target. Furthermore, he pointed out the need for Russia to attack logistics centers for Western weapons in Lviv, the Yavoriv Military Base where Western mercenaries are trained, and bridges over the Dnieper used for transporting equipment to the front lines.
Putin indicated that potential targets for the Oreshnik include military locations, defense factories, and decision-making centers in Kiev. During a press conference in Kazakhstan, he described the missile as a powerful weapon, likening its impact to that of a large meteor. He emphasized that anything in the epicenter would be turned to dust.