By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In response to Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles, Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, striking Dnipro. President Putin characterized the launch as retaliation and warned of further action against any country aiding Ukraine’s attacks on Russian territory. The Oreshnik, described as hypersonic and capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads, prompted concern from the U.S., which was notified prior to the launch. This incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with both sides engaging in increasingly aggressive actions.
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Putin recently announced that Russia had attacked Ukraine with a new missile, the “Oreshnik,” boasting that it’s unstoppable by Western defenses. This claim immediately sparked a wave of skepticism, given Putin’s history of making similarly grandiose statements that haven’t held up to scrutiny. The “special military operation” he initially predicted would last a week has stretched on for considerably longer, casting a long shadow over his pronouncements.
The idea of an entirely unstoppable missile is inherently dubious. Even the most advanced missile systems, whether from Russia, the United States, or China, aren’t invulnerable. Existing defense systems, like THAAD, AEGIS, and GMD, have the potential to intercept incoming missiles, especially if they are targeted and destroyed before releasing submunitions. The timing and location of the Oreshnik’s deployment—reportedly avoiding areas heavily defended by systems like the Patriot—suggest a strategic decision to avoid a potential embarrassment of a failed strike.
Many questioned the seemingly boastful, almost defiant nature of the announcement. The very act of declaring a missile “unstoppable” raises eyebrows. Why publicize such a capability unless its purpose is to intimidate rather than achieve a purely tactical advantage? The name itself, “Oreshnik” (hazelnut tree), also seemed strangely underwhelming for such a supposedly revolutionary weapon.
The fact that Russia, seemingly aware of the limitations of the Oreshnik, chose not to deploy it against heavily defended targets like Kyiv speaks volumes. This suggests that the missile’s capabilities may have been exaggerated, and that Russia is, in fact, well aware of its vulnerabilities. This strategic choice seemingly undermines Putin’s claim of invincibility.
The skepticism extends to the missile’s purported hypersonic speed. While hypersonic missiles are indeed difficult to intercept, the claim of unsurpassed speed is commonplace in Russian military pronouncements and frequently lacks verifiable evidence. Many existing missiles achieve hypersonic speeds during re-entry, rendering Putin’s claim as nothing more than a rebranding of existing technology. The possibility of the Oreshnik being simply a re-branded, existing missile also cannot be discounted.
Furthermore, the context of this announcement cannot be ignored. Russia’s military has faced significant setbacks in Ukraine, relying heavily on older Soviet-era equipment. The claim of a game-changing missile seems designed to counter the narrative of Russia’s dwindling military capabilities and bolster flagging morale. The very fact that Putin feels the need to make such a dramatic claim suggests a degree of desperation and a lack of confidence in the overall success of the war.
The reaction from the West has been largely one of measured skepticism. There’s a clear understanding that while advanced missile technology presents a significant challenge, the notion of a completely indefensible weapon is unrealistic. The West’s focus remains on bolstering Ukraine’s defenses and continuing to provide them with the necessary weaponry to withstand Russian aggression.
Ultimately, Putin’s announcement about the Oreshnik should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism. While advanced missile technology is a serious concern, it is highly unlikely that this weapon is truly unstoppable. The timing and circumstances surrounding its deployment suggest a propaganda maneuver designed to inspire fear and bolster Russia’s image on the world stage more than anything else. Putin’s claims should be analyzed within the larger context of the ongoing war and his consistent pattern of exaggerated pronouncements. The effectiveness of the Oreshnik remains to be seen, but the response from the West highlights the importance of continuing to develop and deploy effective countermeasures.