The new Oreshnik missile announced by Russia on November 21, 2024 has quickly become the center of international attention.
The medium-range hypersonic weapon is seen as a significant step forward in Russia's missile capabilities - one that could have far-reaching consequences for both the Ukrainian conflict and international security in general, according to RT.
New weapon, not an upgrade
President Vladimir Putin has insisted that the Oreshnik is not an upgrade of Soviet-era missile systems. Instead, it is a completely new weapon built on modern Russian technology.
Ultrasonic capabilities and precision
The Oreshnik missile is described as a high-precision medium-range weapon, with supersonic speed.
"Due to the missile's striking power, especially when used collectively, on a large scale and even in combination with other high-precision long-range systems, the use of Oreshnik will have a power comparable to that of strategic weapons," Putin said.
The missile is designed to fly at speeds of up to Mach 10 (about 12,200 km/h), which is about 10 times the speed of sound. Its high speed makes it extremely difficult to intercept with current missile defense systems.
"There is currently no means in the world that can counter Oreshnik-type complexes," Putin asserted, explaining that Western missile defense systems, including those deployed in Western Europe, cannot intercept such fast-moving missiles.
First used in combat and in response to Ukraine
The Oreshnik missile was first used in combat on November 21, 2024, attacking a Ukrainian defense facility in the Dnepropetrovsk region.
Mr Putin said the attack was in response to Kiev's use of long-range missiles, such as the US ATACMS and the British Storm Shadow, to strike deep into Russian territory.
"The regional conflict in Ukraine has elements of a global nature," Mr Putin said, stressing the broader implications of Western involvement.
Mass production and deployment
After successful testing and first use of the new weapon, Russia announced mass production of the system.
Mr Putin confirmed that the missiles would be included in Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, becoming a key part of Russia's long-term military strategy, with the potential for widespread deployment in the coming months.
Global impact and strategic importance
The Oreshnik missile has the potential to change the dynamics of the Ukrainian conflict. According to General Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, the Oreshnik "can strike targets across Europe." This makes the missile not only a powerful weapon in the Ukrainian conflict, but also one that could have broader geopolitical implications if tensions escalate further.
The new missile's precision and destructive power mean it could be used to target critical infrastructure in hostile countries. In Mr Putin's view, the missile gives Russia a technological edge that no other country can currently match.
International reaction and future developments
The Oreshnik missile has caused alarm in the West, worrying NATO members, as it is the first time such a system has been used and much remains unknown about the missile.
"What if Russia decides to target Lviv next?" CBS News quoted a US official as saying, referring to the city in western Ukraine, near the border with Poland.
Poland is particularly concerned about these new developments. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that there is a "serious and real" threat of global war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a "clear and serious escalation" by Russia. Mr Zelensky accused Mr Putin of using Ukraine as a "testing ground".
