Putin Threatens to Use the Hypersonic Orechnik Missile on Kyiv: A Weapon of Terrifying Power

Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified his warnings, stating on Thursday, November 28, that he does not rule out striking Kyiv with the experimental Orechnik hypersonic missile, already deployed against Dnipro. This statement, made during a televised press conference on the sidelines of his visit to Kazakhstan, represents a worrisome escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

A Weapon “Comparable” to a Nuclear Strike

Putin emphasized the unparalleled destructive capacity of the Orechnik, describing it as capable of equaling a nuclear weapon in terms of its impact.

“Using several Orechnik systems in a single strike — two, three, or four — could, in terms of power, be comparable to a nuclear strike,” he asserted.

While he insisted that the missile is not equipped with a nuclear warhead, Putin highlighted its precision and its ability to limit environmental damage. He also noted the intense heat produced upon detonation, comparing it to the surface of the Sun.

Kyiv in the Crosshairs

The Russian leader did not shy away from naming Kyiv as a potential target for this devastating weapon.

“We are considering the use of Orechnik against military targets, industrial-military infrastructure, or decision-making centers, including in Kyiv,” he said.

This threat follows Russia’s announcement of a test strike with the Orechnik in Ukraine, which Moscow framed as a response to U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles fired on Russian soil.

Lingering Nuclear Ambiguity

Although Vladimir Putin stressed the conventional nature of the Orechnik, he left open the possibility of it being equipped with a nuclear warhead. This ambiguity heightens international concerns over this weapon, which the Kremlin views as a strategic advantage in the Ukraine conflict.

A New Level of Escalation

With this announcement, Putin raises the stakes in his show of military force. As Kyiv and its Western allies step up efforts to defend Ukrainian territory, this threat underscores the growing risks of escalation and the implications for European security.

The Orechnik, described as a highly precise and devastating weapon, has become a symbol of the technological and military contest fueling this intensifying war.