For the first time, Russia has deployed the Oreshnik missile, an advanced hypersonic weapon capable of reaching any city in Europe in under 20 minutes. The experimental strike targeted the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on November 21, sending shockwaves through global security circles.
The Oreshnik, a lighter variant of the RS-26 Frontier missile, can carry multiple warheads and boasts a range of up to 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) at speeds exceeding 7,600 mph—ten times the speed of sound. Security camera footage captured the fiery devastation in Dnipro as the missile unleashed a coordinated barrage of multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).
Escalation or Bluff?
Vladimir Putin described the missile launch as retaliation for Ukraine’s recent use of UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory. The Kremlin issued a stark warning to the West, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that NATO’s direct involvement in Ukrainian strikes “cannot remain without a response.”
Despite the missile’s devastating potential, experts suggest the strike was more symbolic than strategic. Dr. Ruth Deyermond, a Post-Soviet Security expert at King’s College London, labeled it an “expensive bluff,” designed to intimidate NATO allies rather than achieve clear military objectives.
Dr. Mattias Eken of RAND Europe echoed the sentiment, pointing out the range used in the strike (700 km to Dnipro) was far below its intercontinental capabilities. The attack likely serves as a warning of Russia’s long-range strike capabilities, particularly after the US authorized Kyiv’s use of ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets.
West Stands Firm
Western leaders dismissed Russia’s warnings. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson vowed continued support for Ukraine, stating, “Russia’s provocations will fail to intimidate us.” British and US officials also rebuffed the Kremlin’s attempts to deter further aid, calling the missile strike “reckless and escalatory.”
While the Oreshnik’s debut raised the specter of nuclear conflict, analysts agree that its use signals desperation rather than dominance. As fires raged in Dnipro, it became clear that Putin is playing a dangerous game of brinkmanship—one that could reshape the balance of global security.