What Is the Oreshnik Ballistic Missile Russia Used in a Strike on Ukraine?

New York Times - WorldEN 4 min read 100% complete by Cassandra Vinograd and Lara JakesJanuary 9, 2026 at 03:44 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In January 2026, Russia launched an Oreshnik missile, a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic weapon, at western Ukraine, marking its second known use. Russia claimed the strike targeted drone-making and energy infrastructure, with no reported casualties. The Oreshnik, promoted by Putin as a display of Russian technological advancement, is believed by the Pentagon to be a modified version of the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile carries multiple warheads that separate in flight. Its first use was in November 2024, targeting a military facility in Dnipro, Ukraine, in response to Ukraine's use of Western weapons. This latest strike, near the Polish border, serves as a reminder of Russia's missile range amid heightened tensions over Ukraine peace talks.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

International Institute for Strategic Studies 30% Pentagon 30% Dnipro ×240% RS-26 Rubezh 40% Poland 50% NATO 50% Kyiv 60% Vladimir V. Putin ×270% Russia ×780% Ukraine ×680% Oreshnik ×690%

Keywords

oreshnik missile 100% ballistic missile 80% russia 70% ukraine 70% nuclear-capable weapon 60% military strike 50% intermediate-range 50% warheads 40% nato 40%