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Both Ukrainian and US officials are openly warning that Russia may be preparing to launch another strike using its experimental Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Last month, Russia conducted the first operational use of its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The attack targeted critical infrastructure and caused significant destruction. The Oreshnik, reportedly equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), is designed to deliver several warheads simultaneously to separate targets at hypersonic speeds, making interception exceptionally difficult. Before the strike, Russia reportedly issued a warning to the United States through diplomatic channels to reduce the risk of escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin later used the attack as an opportunity to showcase the missile’s capabilities, claiming it represents a new tier of conventional firepower capable of deterring NATO-supported Ukrainian operations.

What’s the deal: According to the Kyiv Post, AP, and The Independent, citing US and Ukrainian intelligence sources, Russia appears to be preparing for another missile strike using its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile. Speaking anonymously, US officials stated that they had observed movements and activities consistent with preparations for a launch, potentially within days. Ukrainian officials have corroborated these assessments, noting increased reconnaissance activity and logistical movements near known Russian missile sites.  

The US intelligence community has noted that while Russia is promoting the Oreshnik missile as a revolutionary weapon, it remains experimental with limited inventory and questionable battlefield impact. Ukrainian officials believe the timing of the potential strike is intended to deter Kyiv from further utilizing long-range Western-supplied missiles, such as the US-made ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, which have recently targeted critical Russian military infrastructure.

This all comes as Ukraine recently used US-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles in a strike on a Russian airbase in Taganrog, located in the southern Rostov region. The attack reportedly targeted military assets and infrastructure. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted all six missiles using air defenses and electronic warfare systems. Still, it acknowledged that debris caused injuries to personnel and minor damage to buildings and vehicles near the airbase. Russia has vowed to respond to the strike, noting that Ukraine would “face consequences.”