Russia Launches ‘Brahmastra’ on Ukraine with Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile; Capable of Nuclear Strike up to 5,500 km

Moscow: The Russia-Ukraine conflict, ongoing since 2022, has taken a dramatic turn. In retaliation for a recent alleged attempt on President Vladimir Putin’s life, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine using its newly developed Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads over a range of 5,500 km.

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed on Friday that the strike was executed with precision using land- and sea-based platforms, and incorporated the Oreshnik missile system. The attack targeted Ukraine’s Lviv city, causing multiple explosions and significant damage. Experts note that Russia deploys the Oreshnik missile only rarely, given its advanced capabilities.

Oreshnik: Russia’s Cutting-Edge Weapon
Named after the Russian word for “hazelnut tree,” the Oreshnik missile is Russia’s most advanced addition to its arsenal, and President Putin has personally praised its capabilities. The missile reportedly travels at 10 times the speed of sound and is said to be impervious to any current air defense system. It can carry multiple warheads simultaneously, whether conventional or nuclear, making it capable of striking any location in Europe. Russia first deployed the missile in 2024, targeting Ukraine’s Dnipro city.

Although some experts had earlier suggested the missile was not fully operational, recent developments show it has now been stationed in Belarus. Russian authorities stated that the Oreshnik launch was in direct response to a reported assassination attempt on President Putin by Ukraine last month. U.S. intelligence, however, claims no such attempt was made.

Geopolitical Tensions Escalate
The strike occurred amid ongoing discussions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin over a potential end to the Ukraine conflict. Moscow has repeatedly warned that any European forces deployed in Ukraine under a peace deal would be considered legitimate targets. In a related development, the United States recently seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker near a Russian submarine, escalating tensions further.

With the missile traveling at 13,000 km/h, analysts say no Ukrainian air defense system currently has the capability to intercept it, highlighting the strategic and tactical implications of Russia’s new hypersonic arsenal.