Russia’s use of the intermediate-range ballistic missile “Oreshnik” has drawn international attention and triggered strong reactions from European leaders, who warn of a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that Russia had once again used the “Oreshnik” missile, this time in the Kyiv region. Later, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the missile launch, saying it was part of a retaliatory strike following Ukrainian attacks on “civilian targets,” accusations that Kyiv denies.
International reactions were swift. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack as a “reckless escalation,” while reaffirming Berlin’s support for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron also sharply criticized the Russian strikes, stating that Ukrainian civilian targets had once again been targeted. Macron described the reported use of the “Oreshnik” as a sign of Moscow’s military difficulties and a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the massive Russian attack demonstrates the “brutality and disregard of the Kremlin for human life and peace negotiations.” According to her, terror against civilians is not “strength,” but “desperation.”
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the attacks as “disgusting acts of terror” against the Ukrainian civilian population. She warned that the use of the “Oreshnik” missile constitutes a “reckless nuclear action,” while EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss new pressure measures against Russia.
According to Moscow, the “Oreshnik” is a modern ballistic missile with a range of between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers, placing large parts of Europe within its reach. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously described the system as a “state-of-the-art” weapon.
It is also reported that Belarus possesses this missile system, increasing Western concerns over the expansion of Russian military capabilities in the region.
The deployment of the “Oreshnik” came during a large-scale Russian offensive, during which, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, 90 missiles and cruise missiles, as well as around 600 drones, were launched. Although many of them were intercepted, dozens of strikes were recorded across several regions of Ukraine.
Among the damaged sites was the central studio of German public broadcaster ARD, which suffered major damage from the blast wave. Fortunately, there were no injuries, as no employees were inside the building at the time of the attack.
