In a significant development, Russia has officially activated its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system, as confirmed by its Ministry of Defence. This powerful new weapon, reportedly deployed in neighboring Belarus, marks a serious turn in the ongoing conflict and peace discussions.
President Vladimir Putin had previously indicated the Oreshnik, Russian for “hazelnut tree,” would enter combat duty this month. This isn’t just a military upgrade; it’s a strategic move. Putin has openly praised the Oreshnik’s incredible capabilities, highlighting its multiple warheads that can plummet towards targets at speeds up to Mach 10 – virtually immune to interception. He’s even warned NATO allies that Moscow could use it against them if they continue to support Ukraine with long-range missiles. Its range reportedly covers all of Europe, adding a new layer of concern.
This deployment comes at a truly critical juncture for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Despite optimistic declarations from figures like US President Donald Trump, who recently suggested the two sides were “closer than ever before” to a settlement, negotiators are still grappling with major sticking points. Key issues like troop withdrawals and the fate of the contested Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain unresolved, hinting that a breakthrough is far from guaranteed.
Putin appears to be leveraging this new missile system to project an image of strength, emphasizing the need for border “buffer zones” and claiming Russian advances in Ukraine. The Oreshnik was first used experimentally in November 2024, and its introduction revives discussions around intermediate-range missiles, which were previously banned by a Soviet-era treaty abandoned in 2019. The world watches closely as this potent new player enters the geopolitical chessboard.
Source: https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/international/2025/12/30/fgn38-russia-missile.html
