Ukraine to analyze fragments of missile fired by Russia capable of carrying nuclear warheads
Investigators in Ukraine are currently analyzing the debris of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that was fired by Russia at the city of Dnipro on Thursday. This marks the first time that this specific weapon, known as Oreshnik in Russian or Hazel Tree, has been used on the battlefield. The Security Service of Ukraine revealed the remaining fragments of the missile that struck a factory to The Associated Press on Sunday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the attack on Thursday, stating that it was in direct response to the U.S. and the U.K. approving Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles to target Russia. The Pentagon has identified the missile as being based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). However, the wreckage has not yet been fully analyzed by security officials on site in an undisclosed location in Ukraine.
The fragments of the missile, which were shown to the media, depicted mangled and charred wires, along with an ashy airframe resembling the size of a large snow tire. These remnants are all that remain of the IRBM, which has the capability to carry nuclear or conventional warheads. A specialist with Ukraine’s Security Service, who only identified himself as Oleh, noted that this is the first time such a missile has been discovered in Ukraine.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine reported that the missile was launched from the 4th Missile Test Range at Kapustin Yar in Russia’s Astrakhan region. The missile flew for approximately 15 minutes before striking Dnipro and was equipped with six warheads, each containing six submunitions. It traveled at a speed of Mach 11 during its flight.
While both Ukraine and Putin have claimed that the missile reached speeds exceeding Mach 10, U.S. defense officials have indicated that the missile is not hypersonic, as it did not surpass speeds greater than Mach 5. Despite this, Putin signed a law offering debt forgiveness to individuals who enlist in Russia’s army to fight in Ukraine, emphasizing the country’s need for military personnel amidst the ongoing conflict.
The legislation allows new recruits enlisting for a one-year contract to have debts up to 10 million rubles, or approximately $96,000, written off. This applies to debts with a court order for collection issued and enforcement proceedings initiated before December 1, 2024. The law also extends to the spouses of new recruits.
In conclusion, the deployment of this new IRBM by Russia in the conflict with Ukraine has raised concerns and sparked investigations into the missile’s capabilities and impact. The ongoing analysis of the debris will provide valuable insights into the nature of this weapon and its implications for the ongoing conflict in the region.
