The Ukrainian Air Force warned of a probable new launch of the Russian Oreshnik missile, saying a launch from Kapustin Yar is likely within 24 hours and urging people to heed air-raid alerts. A recent nationwide ballistic alert lasted just under 14 minutes but produced no launch. Russia has used the Oreshnik three times since 2024; earlier strikes on Dnipro, Lviv and Bila Tserkva reportedly did not carry live warheads. The missile is nuclear-capable, has a range up to 6,000 km, and Ukraine currently has no defence against it.
Ukraine Warns Of Probable Oreshnik Missile Launch From Kapustin Yar
FILE PHOTO - An view of apartment building damaged by a Russian missile attack on Kiev. (is associated with: «Ukraine warns of new Russian attack involving Oreshnik missile») Aleksandr Gusev/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
The Ukrainian Air Force on Friday warned the public of a likely new launch of the Russian Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, describing the weapon as potentially devastating and capable of carrying multiple warheads. The alert said there is a high probability of a launch within the next 24 hours and urged citizens to treat air-raid warnings seriously.
Probable Launch Details
The Air Force said on social media that the missile could be launched from the Kapustin Yar test site in Russia’s southern Astrakhan region. A nationwide ballistic missile alert issued shortly before midnight on Thursday lasted just under 14 minutes; no missile followed that alert.
Previous Deployments
According to consistent reports from both Russian and Ukrainian sources, Russia has deployed the Oreshnik against Ukraine three times since 2024. Those earlier strikes — reported over Dnipro, Lviv region and Bila Tserkva near Kyiv — reportedly did not carry live warheads.
Weapon Profile and Risk
With an estimated range of up to 6,000 kilometres and speeds several times the speed of sound, the nuclear-capable Oreshnik could reach targets in Western Europe within minutes. Ukraine currently has no operational defence against this missile type, increasing the strategic risk posed by any launch.
What Authorities Advise
Ukrainian Air Force: Take air-raid alerts seriously and follow official guidance for sheltering and safety.
This alert underscores ongoing regional tensions and the continued importance of civil preparedness. Officials did not report any immediate impact at the time of the warning.
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