As the three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine holds, tensions are escalating after reports emerged that Russia might retaliate against Ukraine’s recent drone attacks.
Russian authorities are reportedly considering using the Oreshnik missile system to strike Kyiv in response to provocations during the ceasefire.
The situation has quickly escalated as both sides brace for potential military action.
Missile System Ready for Use
The Oreshnik missile, a part of Russia’s advanced missile arsenal, could be the weapon of choice for retaliation.
First used in November 2024 during Russia’s special military operation, the Oreshnik missile has gained notoriety for its impressive range and speed.
With a striking range of up to 5,500 kilometers and capable of reaching speeds of Mach 11, it is a formidable weapon.
Equipped with a separating warhead and independently guided targeting units, the Oreshnik is designed to penetrate defenses and strike at critical targets.
Though specific military targets have not been revealed, sources suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the Ministry of Defense to carefully select the targets for this missile strike, possibly as retaliation for a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on Russian territory.
Ukraine Responds to Threat of Strike
In light of the reports, Ukrainian Member of Parliament Oleksiy Honcharenko has called for vigilance among Ukrainians, urging them to take shelter if an air raid alert is issued.
While acknowledging the threat, he also dismissed the reports of an imminent strike as “information warfare.”
Honcharenko emphasized the importance of not spreading propaganda and urged people to follow safety protocols during this tense period.
“Let’s not flood our media space with propaganda, but when an air raid alert is issued – take shelter,” Honcharenko wrote in a Telegram post, highlighting the need for caution despite the uncertainty surrounding the reports.
Ukrainian Drones Continue Attacks on Russian Territory
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have launched further drone attacks on Russian regions, even as the ceasefire remains in place.
The strikes, which continued through the eve of Victory Day, have targeted several areas across Russia, including Moscow, Yaroslavl, Tula, Voronezh, Kostroma, Smolensk, and Mordovia.
The impact has been significant, with mobile internet shut down in over 30 Russian cities due to the drone threat.
Schools and kindergartens were closed in Saransk, and multiple drones were reportedly intercepted by Russian defense systems over the Kursk and Bryansk regions.
These drone strikes are seen as a direct challenge to Russia’s territorial integrity, even as both sides observe the fragile ceasefire.
Ukrainian authorities appear to be intensifying their efforts as part of a broader strategy to keep pressure on Russia during this period of reduced direct conflict.
What Is the Oreshnik Missile?
The Oreshnik missile system, known as “Hazel tree” in Russian, is a powerful intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with exceptional speed, reportedly exceeding Mach 10 (12,300 km/h).
The missile is equipped with six warheads, each containing submunitions, making it a highly potent weapon in Russia’s arsenal.
While difficult to intercept due to its high speed and advanced technology, modern ballistic missile interceptors are designed to counter such systems.
The Oreshnik missile is a variant of the RS-26 Rubezh IRBM, which has raised concerns among military experts due to its capabilities.
While it has yet to be used in a large-scale conflict, its potential deployment could escalate tensions even further, particularly if used in retaliation for the recent Ukrainian drone attacks.
Escalating Tensions and Uncertainty
As the situation continues to develop, both Russia and Ukraine are preparing for a possible escalation of military actions.
While the ceasefire remains in effect, it is clear that the ongoing drone attacks from Ukraine and Russia’s potential missile retaliation are increasing the chances of further conflict.
As the international community watches closely, the next few days could prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the conflict.