Russia confirmed it had used the Oreshnik missile amid a series of overnight attacks on Kyiv and Lviv. Ukraine condemned the weapon’s use near the European Union and NATO borders as a “grave threat” to European security
Kyiv has called on its allies to increase pressure on Russia after Moscow deployed a newly developed missile in strikes on western Ukraine.
On Friday, Russia confirmed it had used the Oreshnik missile amid a series of overnight attacks on Kyiv and Lviv. Ukraine condemned the weapon’s use near the European Union and NATO borders as a “grave threat” to European security.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said the new intermediate-range ballistic missile was among hundreds of weapons used in the strikes, which Kyiv reported killed four people and injured at least 22 in the capital.
In Lviv, Russian forces targeted critical infrastructure with an unidentified ballistic missile, according to Mayor Andriy Sadovyi.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that the missile traveled at speeds of 13,000 km/h (over 8,000 mph) and that authorities were investigating its exact type.
Moscow first tested the Oreshnik Russian for “hazel tree” against a military factory in Ukraine in November 2024. Ukrainian sources said that strike carried dummy warheads and caused limited damage.
President Vladimir Putin has claimed the Oreshnik, an intermediate-range missile, is virtually impossible to intercept due to speeds reportedly more than 10 times the speed of sound.
He also said its destructive power is comparable to a nuclear weapon, even with a conventional warhead.
Ukraine’s call for stronger pressure on Russia comes as discussions continue with European and U.S. allies on efforts to end the nearly four-year war.
This week, an agreement was reached for European troops to be deployed after any ceasefire.
Russia, however, rejected the plan on Thursday.
“Such troops would be considered legitimate military targets,” warned Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, branding Ukraine and its allies as an “axis of war.”
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