Russia has conducted a missile strike using the ‘Oreshnik’ type rocket in the vicinity of Bila Tserkva, located in the Kyiv region. The launch was confirmed by Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, who stated that the missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar test site.
While Ihnat did not disclose the exact impact site, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the strike, stating, “Putin has launched his ‘Oreshnik’ against Bila Tserkva. This is a clear sign of his inadequacy. It is crucial that this does not go unanswered by Russia.”
On May 23, Zelensky had warned that Ukrainian intelligence, in collaboration with American and European partners, had received information about Russia’s preparations for a strike utilizing the ‘Oreshnik’ ballistic missile.
In parallel, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine reported receiving alerts regarding a potential significant airstrike that could occur at any moment within the next 24 hours.
The ‘Oreshnik’ is classified as a medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM) capable of exceeding speeds of 12,300 km/h. According to Ukrainian military sources, the missile is equipped with six warheads, each reportedly containing submunitions. The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the ‘Oreshnik’ as a variant of the RS-26 ‘Rubezh’ intermediate-range missile. Russia has announced plans to commence serial production of the ‘Oreshnik’ missiles starting in 2024.
Russia has launched an 'Oreshnik' missile strike near Bila Tserkva, as confirmed by Ukrainian officials. This development follows warnings from President Zelensky about potential attacks, highlighting ongoing military tensions in the region.