For the first time, Ukraine has released photos of the wreckage of a new Russian experimental missile that was tested on Thursday, hitting a factory in central Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that a ballistic missile with a medium-range strike capability hit a factory in the city of Dnipro. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the launch of the Oreshnik missile was a response to the use of American and British missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory.
On Thursday, Ukraine’s security service showed journalists the remains of the new ballistic missile, named Oreshnik, which is said to be based on the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The missile is capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads.
The wreckage, which has not yet been fully analyzed, revealed charred remnants and destroyed components. Security officials presented the debris to the media before investigators took them to an undisclosed location in Ukraine.
According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, the missile was launched from Russia’s Kapustin Yar missile range in the Astrakhan region and flew for 15 minutes before hitting Dnipro. The missile carried six warheads, each with six submunitions, and reached speeds of up to Mach 11 during flight.
“It is important to note that this is the first time that the remains of such a missile have been found in Ukrainian territory,” said a security service expert, who identified himself only as Oleh, as he was not authorized to speak with the media.
