**Russia‘s New Missile: What is Oreshnik and What Does it Mean?**
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced the launch of a new type of missile in an attack on Ukraine. The missile, called “Oreshnik,” was said to be so fast that Western air defense systems could not intercept it. But what exactly is Oreshnik?
**A Close Look at Oreshnik**
According to Putin, Oreshnik is a new invention that can carry nuclear weapons. However, analysts have questioned the novelty of the missile and its effectiveness in preventing allies’ support for Ukraine.
Defense expert Fabian Hoffmann said that Oreshnik’s features are not entirely new and that similar missiles have been used in Ukraine before. He also pointed out that Russia has deployed nuclear-capable missiles in Ukraine before, but this time, it’s different.
**What Does Oreshnik Mean?**
Experts say that the launch of Oreshnik is an attempt by Putin to demonstrate strength after the U.S. and British missiles struck targets on Russian sovereign territory. It’s also seen as a way to deter broader Western support for Ukraine.
Matej Kandrík, executive director at the Adapt Institute, said that Russia has been employing covert or overt nuclear threats to deter international support for Ukraine since day one of the full-scale invasion. This time, however, Putin is trying to convey strength through a more ominous message.
**Not an Escalation Chain**
Despite the concerns, experts say that Oreshnik’s launch is not the start of an escalation chain leading to a nuclear apocalypse. They argue that Russia is not suicidal and that there are mechanisms in place to prevent such a scenario.
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