New Russian Missile Fired at Ukraine
The United States believes that Russia has launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile in its recent attack on Ukraine. According to the U.S. military, this missile is based on the design of Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). U.S. officials indicated that the missile is experimental, with Russia likely possessing only a small number of them.
Missile Design and Potential Modifications
Initially, Ukraine’s air force mistook the missile for an ICBM, raising concerns about the escalation of the conflict. However, the missile was classified as an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which, while less concerning than an ICBM, still raised alarms. The Pentagon confirmed that the missile was launched with a conventional warhead, although it noted that Russia could modify it to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads if desired.
Putin’s Comments on the Missile
In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the use of a new ballistic missile, which he called “Oreshnik” (the hazel), targeting a Ukrainian military facility. He also referenced the missile development as a response to Western support for Ukraine, particularly after U.S. and German agreements to deploy long-range missiles in Europe starting in 2026. Non-proliferation expert Jeffrey Lewis noted that Russia’s RS-26 missile was always considered a likely candidate for this type of development.
Experimental Status and Strategic Implications
The Pentagon described the missile as “experimental,” emphasizing that this was the first time the missile had been used in combat. Experts such as Timothy Wright from the International Institute for Strategic Studies pointed out that Russia’s missile advancements could influence NATO members’ decisions regarding air defense systems and offensive capabilities. A new U.S. ballistic missile defense base in Poland has already sparked strong reactions from Moscow.
Putin Denies Link to NATO Missile Defense
Putin stated that the missile launch was not a response to the U.S. missile defense base in Poland, but rather a reaction to recent Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian territory, which were carried out using Western weapons. These included U.S.-made ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles, as well as U.S.-made HIMARS. Moscow claimed the strikes targeted a missile and defense firm in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
Response to U.S. Missile Withdrawal
Putin also reiterated that Russia was developing short- and medium-range missiles in response to U.S. missile deployments in Europe and Asia. He criticized the U.S. for withdrawing from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019, a move that Moscow claims was based on unfounded accusations. The U.S. withdrawal from the treaty, which prohibited the deployment of intermediate-range nuclear missiles, remains a point of contention between the two countries.
