Views: 4
Shock claim by Putin: Oreshnik missile matches nuclear power.
At a recent closed-door meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization [CSTO], Russian President Vladimir Putin made bold claims about the capabilities of Russia’s newest hypersonic missile system, the “Oreshnik.”
According to Putin, the system’s deployment on a large scale could deliver a destructive impact comparable to that of nuclear weapons, albeit without the catastrophic environmental consequences.
Citing insights from military and technical experts, Putin explained that the simultaneous launch of multiple “Oreshnik” missiles in a concentrated strike would unleash a level of power akin to a nuclear detonation.
However, he emphasized that the weapon is not classified as a weapon of mass destruction [WMD]. “In the event of mass, group use—firing several missiles simultaneously in one cohesive strike—their combined power could rival that of a nuclear weapon,” Putin stated, underscoring that the “Oreshnik” system does not rely on nuclear warheads.
The Russian leader also highlighted the results of recent trials conducted on November 21, which he said affirmed the precision and reliability of the system. Putin stressed that “Oreshnik” operates as a high-precision weapon, designed to minimize collateral damage. “The key aspect here is that it lacks a nuclear payload, and therefore there’s no risk of radioactive contamination after its deployment,” he remarked.
Putin’s statements appear aimed at positioning the “Oreshnik” as a strategic game-changer, offering devastating firepower while circumventing the international taboos and ecological risks associated with nuclear arms. However, the broader implications of such claims—especially their potential to further escalate tensions in an already fraught global security environment—remain to be seen.
The lack of visible explosions after the “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile impacted the Dnipro area appears to be related to its use of non-nuclear payloads. Reports suggest that the missile’s warheads were equipped with high-explosive [HE] conventional charges instead of nuclear material.
These HE warheads are designed for precise strikes against infrastructure rather than creating widespread, devastating blast effects akin to nuclear weapons.
According to Russian statements, the test showcased the missile’s ability to deliver precision strikes, with the target being industrial facilities reportedly involved in military production.
Despite the significant energy released upon impact, the absence of massive explosions could indicate that the warheads are engineered for deep penetration or high-precision effects, targeting specific systems rather than causing area-wide destruction. This aligns with Russia’s claim of minimizing collateral damage while maintaining strategic impact.
Ukrainian sources have speculated that the missile might have been an experimental version, potentially explaining variations in its impact performance. Furthermore, Russia likely opted for non-nuclear payloads to avoid escalating the conflict to a nuclear dimension while demonstrating advanced strike capabilities.
Some analysts have also suggested that the use of conventional payloads was meant as a warning signal to NATO countries, showcasing capabilities without crossing the threshold into weapons of mass destruction.
Earlier today, the Russian president announced that a massive attack on Kyiv’s military decision-making centers, namely with Oreshnik missiles, is possible in the future. “The General Staff and Defense Ministry are selecting targets in Ukraine for Oreshnik MRBM, potentially including decision-making centers in Kyiv,” Vladimir Putin said. Russia has several Oreshnik missile systems ready for use, sources say.
Western experts, military officials, and policymakers have expressed a mix of skepticism and concern regarding Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile system. While it is viewed as a demonstration of technological progress, it is also seen as a strategic tool for intimidation and escalation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Some experts, such as Matej Kandrík from the Adapt Institute, interpret the deployment of Oreshnik as a calculated message aimed at both Western governments and the general public.
He highlights that the missile’s capabilities, especially its multiple reentry vehicle [MRV] design, invoke a psychological impact by reminding observers of nuclear deterrence scenarios. However, Kandrík stresses that its deployment is more about signaling than immediate military advantage.
Jenny Mathers, a scholar of international politics, argues that Russia’s use of Oreshnik is part of a broader effort to deter Western support for Ukraine. She notes that the missile’s introduction comes amid heightened tensions following Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian territory.
The Kremlin’s reliance on such demonstrations reflects a limited array of options to escalate without crossing red lines that could provoke direct Western intervention.
Other analysts downplay the strategic novelty of the missile. Michael Hoffman, a U.S. defense analyst, states that Oreshnik’s hypersonic label is not particularly groundbreaking, as all medium-range ballistic missiles achieve hypersonic speeds. He suggests that the missile is being overhyped as part of a political campaign to elevate its perceived threat.
NATO representatives and U.S. officials have been clear that this new system does not alter the alliance’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Farah Dakhlallah, a NATO spokesperson, emphasized that the missile’s use would not deter NATO from continuing its aid. However, there are concerns that such advancements could exacerbate the ongoing arms race and heighten global instability.
Strategically, Oreshnik is seen as a tool to showcase Russia’s ability to project power and influence, particularly as it accelerates the production of hypersonic weapons. Experts caution against overreacting, arguing that the missile’s deployment primarily serves to reinforce Russia’s negotiating position in a conflict with no clear resolution in sight.
(BULGARIAN MILITARY)