Russia has once again restricted the airspace over the Kapustin Yar military testing ground in the Astrakhan region, sparking speculation about possible testing or combat use of the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile. According to the official NOTAM, the flight ban will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. on May 12 to 6:00 a.m. on May 13, 2025. Experts and international media attribute this to preparations for new missile launches, which increases tensions in the region amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

Kapustin Yar, located near the city of Znamensk, has long been a key testing ground for Russian missile weapons. According to RBC-Ukraine, it was from this testing ground that the Oreshnik was launched on November 21, 2024, at the Yuzhmash plant in Dnepr, which was the first combat use of this hypersonic missile. According to military experts, the Oreshnik is a ballistic missile with a range of up to 4000 km, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. Its high speed and accuracy make it a serious threat, and the lack of effective countermeasures is a concern for NATO countries. According to Daily Mail estimates, a missile launched from Kapustin Yar can reach London in less than 20 minutes, and Berlin in 15.

The airspace restriction in May 2025 is not an isolated case. As the Ukrainian portal 24tv.ua notes, in November and December 2024, the skies over the test site were repeatedly closed, which was accompanied by either tests or demonstration launches of the Oreshnik.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation. According to Reuters, after the November strike on the Dnieper, the United States and its allies have stepped up monitoring of Russian military installations, including Kapustin Yar. The American embassy in Ukraine has repeatedly issued warnings to its citizens, indicating that Oreshnik is perceived as a real threat.