Russia fires hypersonic Oreshnik missile at Ukraine in revenge attack

"Russia's military has said it fired its new hypersonic Oreshnik missile at a target in Ukraine during a massive overnight strike. Ukraine confirmed the attack, saying it took place in the west of the country near the European Union border. Moscow said the launch of the intermediate-range ballistic missile was retaliation for a supposed attempted Ukrainian drone attack on Vladimir Putin's residence late last month an allegation both Kyiv and Washington have said is false."

"Russia first used the Oreshnik named after the Russian word for hazel tree in November 2024, when Moscow said it struck a Ukrainian military-industrial facility. Ukrainian officials and analysts at the time said the missile carried dummy warheads rather than explosives and caused limited damage. Initial reports suggest the Oreshnik used in Friday's strike may again have carried inert warheads, indicating the launch was largely symbolic."

Russia fired its new hypersonic Oreshnik missile at a target in western Ukraine near the European Union border during a major overnight strike. Moscow framed the launch as retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Vladimir Putin's residence, a claim denied by Kyiv and Washington. Ukraine warned that firing the missile so close to EU and NATO borders posed a grave threat to European security and urged partners to increase pressure on Russia. Regional officials reported damage to a critical infrastructure facility, with unverified reports suggesting an underground gas storage site. Initial reports indicate the missile may have carried inert or dummy warheads, suggesting a largely symbolic use. President Putin has repeatedly invoked the Oreshnik as a threat to Ukraine and Western arms suppliers.

Read at www.theguardian.com