Posted on January 13, 2026
On January 9, 2026, Russia significantly escalated its war against Ukraine by launching an Oreshnik missile, a rare and highly advanced hypersonic ballistic weapon capable of travelling at speeds of around 13,600 km/h (Mach 11). According to Moscow, the missile struck critical Ukrainian infrastructure in the country’s western region, near Lviv, alarmingly close to the NATO and European Union border. The strike has triggered serious concern in Kyiv as well as among Ukraine’s Western allies.
This launch marked only the second confirmed combat use of the Oreshnik missile since its development. More notably, it appears to be the first time the weapon was deployed with live explosive warheads, suggesting a potential shift in how Russia may use its most advanced missile systems going forward.
What Is the Oreshnik Missile?
The Oreshnik, which translates from Russian as “hazel tree,” is an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile developed from the RS-26 Rubezh program. The RS-26 was originally designed as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), but the Oreshnik variant is optimized for shorter-range, high-speed strikes.
What sets the Oreshnik apart from conventional ballistic missiles is its hypersonic speed and maneuverability. Traditional ballistic missiles follow predictable flight paths, making them easier for modern air-defence systems to track and intercept. Hypersonic missiles, by contrast, travel at more than five times the speed of sound and can alter their trajectory mid-flight, greatly reducing reaction time for defenders.
Reports indicate the Oreshnik can exceed Mach 10, allowing it to reach deep inside Ukrainian territory within minutes, leaving little warning for air-defence systems or civilians.
Advanced Capabilities and Warhead Options
Another rare and concerning feature of the Oreshnik missile is its ability to carry multiple independently targetable warheads. This means a single missile can strike several different targets in one launch a capability usually associated with long-range nuclear ICBMs rather than intermediate-range weapons.
Although the missile can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads, there is no evidence that Russia used a nuclear payload in this attack. Earlier launches, including the first known combat use in November 2024, reportedly involved dummy or conventional warheads.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the Oreshnik is nearly impossible to intercept and that its conventional destructive power rivals that of nuclear weapons. However, Western defence experts have questioned these claims, pointing out that the missile remains experimental and is likely available only in limited numbers.
Why Is Russia Using the Oreshnik Now?
The timing of the strike is politically and strategically significant. Russia’s defence ministry described the attack as retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on one of Putin’s residences in Novgorod — a claim denied by both Kyiv and U.S. officials.
Beyond this explanation, analysts point to several broader reasons:
Strategic signalling: By openly using a cutting-edge hypersonic missile, Russia is sending a strong message to Ukraine and its Western supporters that it still possesses advanced strike capabilities and is willing to escalate.
Response to Western military aid: Moscow has repeatedly criticised NATO countries for supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles and advanced weapons. Deploying the Oreshnik may be intended to demonstrate Russia’s ability to counter or outmatch Western systems.
Domestic messaging: At home, showcasing a powerful “new” weapon helps reinforce narratives of Russian military strength and technological superiority, especially at a time of economic pressure and prolonged conflict.
The strike also comes amid stalled peace negotiations and growing NATO-Ukraine cooperation, including discussions about long-term security guarantees and potential troop deployments. Russia may view the use of the Oreshnik as a warning against what it sees as Western encroachment.
What This Means for the Future
The deployment of the Oreshnik missile signals a dangerous new phase in the Russia-Ukraine war one in which advanced strategic weapons are used alongside conventional arms. While it remains unclear whether such strikes will become more frequent, the use of hypersonic technology highlights Moscow’s readiness to escalate both militarily and politically.
Ukraine has urged its allies to strengthen air-defence systems and increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia, particularly given the proximity of the strike to NATO and EU borders.
As the conflict continues, the world is watching closely to determine whether this was a one-off demonstration of power or the beginning of a broader shift toward hypersonic warfare a development that could reshape Europe’s security landscape for years to come.