One in four Russian Oreshnik drones may have been lost during the war against Ukraine, according to the ISW
If reports of a second launch of a Russian "Oreshnik" missile on the night of May 24 are confirmed, it would mean that one in four such missiles used by Russia in the war against Ukraine has malfunctioned.
This was noted by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in their May 25 report.
Experts suggest that Russian forces may have launched another Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, but it likely failed to reach its target and fell in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk Oblast.
Analysts drew attention to a video that, according to preliminary data, shows six submunitions falling. One Ukrainian OSINT source reported that the missile may have struck Russian positions near the occupied towns of Avdiivka or Yasynuvata, approximately 40 kilometers from the front line.
“If these reports are confirmed, it would mean that one in four ‘Oreshnik’ missiles used by Russian forces in this war has been rendered inoperable,” the ISW noted.
In addition, analysts highlighted the cost of Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine on the night of May 24. According to ArmyInform estimates, the combined missile and drone strike cost Russia approximately $361 million, or over 15 billion hryvnias.
This amount includes the launch of a single “Oreshnik” missile, estimated to cost approximately $50 million.
The ISW emphasized that if a second Oreshnik launch is confirmed, the total cost of the attack could rise to $411 million.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reacted sharply to Russia’s use of the “Oreshnik” missile during the attack on Ukraine. She called the Kremlin’s actions a reckless risk of nuclear war and announced preparations for new measures to pressure Moscow.
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