What's happened
Russia launched its second use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine near the Polish border. The missile, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, was claimed to be impossible to intercept. Ukraine and its allies condemned the strike as an escalation amid ongoing tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Russia's deployment of the Oreshnik missile demonstrates its intent to showcase advanced hypersonic technology that it claims is impossible to intercept. However, experts suggest the missile's limited damage in previous tests and its experimental status indicate it is not yet a decisive weapon. The strike on Ukraine's infrastructure, near NATO borders, is likely aimed at intimidating Western support and testing Western defenses. The use of such a missile escalates the risk of broader conflict, especially as Ukraine and its allies view it as a provocative act. The strike's timing, amid increased European military support, suggests Russia aims to deter further Western involvement while signaling its military modernization. The potential for nuclear or conventional payloads raises concerns about future escalations, but the limited damage so far indicates Russia's strategic messaging outweighs military effectiveness at this stage.
What the papers say
The New York Post highlights the missile's show of force and questions its effectiveness, noting that the strike caused limited damage and was more performative than destructive. The Independent and Reuters provide detailed descriptions of the missile's capabilities and the context of its use, emphasizing Russia's claims of invulnerability and the strategic implications. Both sources note Ukraine's denial of the attack on Putin's residence and the broader escalation in Russia-Ukraine tensions, with Reuters pointing out the missile's potential to carry multiple warheads and its basis on the RS-26 Rubezh. The articles collectively suggest that Russia's use of the Oreshnik is as much about psychological warfare and deterrence as it is about military impact, with Western analysts viewing it as an experimental weapon that has yet to prove decisive.
How we got here
Russia's use of the Oreshnik missile, capable of reaching speeds over Mach 10, marks a significant development in its military capabilities. The missile was first tested in 2024 and is based on the RS-26 Rubezh, designed to carry multiple warheads. Russia claims the missile is invulnerable to interception, and its deployment signals an escalation in the Ukraine conflict, which began with Russia's invasion in 2022. The recent strike follows Moscow's assertion that Ukraine attempted an attack on Putin's residence, which Kyiv denies.
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