In the coming days, Russia may again use the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile to strike Ukraine, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said at a recent briefing. According to her, the possible attack will not have a significant impact on the situation on the battlefield, but it is causing concern in the US Department of Defense.

Earlier, on November 21, Russia used the Oreshnik in combat for the first time, striking an industrial facility in the city of Dnepr. President Vladimir Putin said it was a response to the Ukrainian Armed Forces using Western-made long-range missiles such as the ATACMS and Storm Shadow to attack Russian regions. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the target was hit and all warheads reached the facility.

The Oreshnik is the latest Russian hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile with a maximum range of up to 5,5 thousand km and the ability to reach speeds of up to 10 Machs (about 12,4 thousand km/h). The missile can carry a warhead weighing up to 1,5 tons and is equipped with a multiple warhead, making it difficult for modern air defense systems to intercept.

After the first use of the Oreshnik, the Pentagon expressed concern, noting that the launch of a hypersonic missile raises serious concerns. Sabrina Singh emphasized that the US views the Oreshnik as a deterrent, not as a game-changer in the conflict in Ukraine. She also added that the use of this type of weapon is aimed at intimidating Ukraine.

In response to the possible use of the Oreshnik again, the United States warned Ukraine and its allies in advance of the possibility of Russia using the missile. Singh said the United States briefed Ukraine and its closest allies to help them prepare for possible strikes.