Ukraine Urges Allies to Increase Pressure After Russia Fires Oreshnik Missile
Ukraine has urged its Western allies to step up pressure on Russia after Moscow used a newly developed Oreshnik missile during strikes on western parts of the country.
Russia said the missile was fired as part of an overnight barrage targeting Kyiv and Lviv. Ukrainian officials described the use of such a weapon near the borders of the European Union and NATO as a grave threat to European security.
According to Russia’s defence ministry, the intermediate-range ballistic missile was launched alongside hundreds of other missiles and drones. Ukrainian authorities said the attacks killed at least four people in Kyiv and wounded more than 20 others.
In Lviv, the city’s mayor reported damage to critical infrastructure. Ukraine’s air force said the missile travelled at a speed of about 13,000 kilometres per hour, with investigations ongoing to determine its exact specifications.
Russia first deployed the Oreshnik missile in late 2024, when Ukrainian sources said it carried dummy warheads and caused limited damage. President Vladimir Putin has claimed the missile is nearly impossible to intercept and has destructive power comparable to a nuclear weapon, even with a conventional warhead. Western officials, however, remain sceptical.
Moscow said the latest strike was retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack on Putin’s residence, a claim denied by both Ukraine and the United States.
Ukraine’s foreign minister said the attack was reckless and called for a strong international response. European officials warned that the missile launch was intended as a signal to Europe and the US, adding that Russia’s actions show no willingness to pursue peace.
