Pentagon Warns Russia May Again Launch Experimental Hypersonic Oreshnik Missile at Ukraine in Coming Days

Dec 11, 2024, 06:47 PM

The United States has warned that Russia may launch its new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, against Ukraine in the coming days. A U.S. intelligence assessment concluded on Wednesday that Russia could use the experimental missile again, following previous deployments. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that Russia is "trying to use every weapon that they have in their arsenal to intimidate Ukraine." Washington views the Oreshnik missile more as an attempt at intimidation than a significant change on the battlefield. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the hypersonic missile makes nuclear weapons obsolete. The warning comes as Russia alleges that Ukraine used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to target a military airfield.