According to publications by Bloomberg, Associated Press and Reuters, Russia may strike Ukraine with the hypersonic missile Oreshnik in the coming days. American officials cited by the publications claim that Moscow views this as a show of force and a way to increase pressure on Kyiv, as well as to demonstrate the capabilities of its high-tech weapons.

The Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missile was first used in November 2024 in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets using American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow. Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the time that the new missile confirmed Moscow's ability to effectively respond to external threats. However, according to American media, citing Western analysts, the Oreshnik has not yet become a major change on the battlefield.

Russia has a limited number of such missiles, and their warheads are smaller than other weapons already regularly used in the conflict, according to the Associated Press.

Hypersonic weapons have high speed and maneuverability, which makes them virtually invulnerable to most existing air defense systems.

The United States is reportedly continuing to closely monitor developments, but does not yet see Oreshnik as a factor capable of fundamentally changing the course of the fighting.

It should be noted that, according to the American side, a new strike by the Oreshnik missile on Ukraine could occur in the coming days.

The Oreshnik is a Russian medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile that entered service in 2024. It is designed to hit strategic targets at a distance of 1000 to 5500 kilometers. The missile reaches speeds of up to Mach 10, making it virtually invulnerable to modern missile defense systems. The Oreshnik is equipped with a maneuverable warhead and can carry a nuclear charge with a yield of up to 900 kilotons. Serial production of the missile began in late 2024, and it has already taken an important place in Russia's strategic weapons arsenal, strengthening its defense potential.