Oreshnik missile

The Oreshnik is a newly developed, nuclear-capable, hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile recently deployed by Russia. Its use is newsworthy due to its advanced capabilities and the escalation it represents in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recent events involve Russia launching the Oreshnik in a massive overnight strike on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and Lviv, near the EU border. Russia claims the strike was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Putin's residence, a claim Ukraine denies. This is only the second reported use of the Oreshnik, the first being in November 2024. The missile's deployment has drawn condemnation from the US and prompted Ukraine to call on its allies to increase pressure on Russia, labeling its use a grave threat to European security. The Oreshnik's speed and potential nuclear capability significantly raise the stakes in the conflict.