Ukrainian investigators are currently examining the remnants of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) launched by Russia towards the city of Dnipro, marking the weapon's first deployment in a combat scenario. The missile, named Oreshnik in Russian, struck a factory in Dnipro, as confirmed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a national address. This action was purportedly a response to the approval by the U.S. and the U.K. for Ukraine to utilize Western-supplied long-range missiles against Russia.
The Pentagon has indicated that the IRBM is derived from Russia's RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), although a detailed analysis of the wreckage is pending. The remnants of the missile were showcased by Ukraine's Security Service, revealing charred wires and a partially destroyed airframe, indicative of the missile's potential to carry nuclear or conventional warheads.
According to Ukrainian security officials, the missile was launched from Russia's 4th Missile Test Range in the Astrakhan region and traveled for 15 minutes before impacting Dnipro. The IRBM was equipped with six warheads, each containing six submunitions, and achieved a speed of Mach 11 during its flight.
Despite claims by both Ukraine and Putin that the missile reached speeds exceeding Mach 10, U.S. defense officials have refuted the assertion that it was hypersonic, defined as speeds greater than 3,000 mph or faster than Mach 5 by NASA. The missile's deployment on the battlefield represents a new lethal capability, as acknowledged by Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh.
In a parallel development, Putin signed a law offering debt forgiveness to individuals enlisting in Russia's military to participate in the conflict in Ukraine. This legislation aims to bolster Russia's military forces amidst the ongoing hostilities with Ukraine, providing debt relief of up to 10 million rubles (approximately $96,000) for new recruits and their spouses under specific conditions.
