Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced on December 5, 2023, that its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service. This development comes as negotiations for peace in Ukraine continue, with significant global attention focused on the ongoing conflict. The missile system has been deployed in neighboring Belarus, where troops participated in a brief ceremony to mark the occasion.
While the Ministry did not provide details regarding the number of missiles deployed, Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously indicated that the Oreshnik would enter combat duty in December during a meeting with military leaders. He reiterated that Russia aims to expand its territorial gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its allies fail to meet the Kremlin’s demands in ongoing peace discussions.
The timing of this announcement is critical. U.S. President Donald Trump recently hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort, asserting that both nations were “closer than ever before” to reaching a peace agreement. Yet, negotiators face significant hurdles, particularly regarding the withdrawal of military forces and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the largest in the world that is currently occupied by Russian forces. Trump cautioned that the lengthy negotiations could still falter, underscoring the fragile nature of the talks.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Putin has sought to project strength, emphasizing military advancements. He stated that Russian forces are making headway in the eastern Donetsk region and intensifying their operations in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. This assertiveness reflects a strategy to establish military buffer zones along Russia’s borders, which he discussed in a recent meeting with senior military officers.
The Oreshnik missile system, named after the hazelnut tree, was first utilized in November 2024 when it targeted a missile production facility in Dnipro. Putin has lauded the missile’s capabilities, claiming its multiple warheads can travel at speeds approaching Mach 10 and evade interception. He has also issued warnings to the West, indicating that the Oreshnik could be deployed against NATO allies supporting Ukraine with longer-range missile capabilities.
The missile’s operational range allows it to reach targets across Europe, as it can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Intermediate-range missiles like the Oreshnik can travel between 500 to 5,500 kilometers (approximately 310 to 3,400 miles), a capability that was curtailed by a treaty abandoned by both Washington and Moscow in 2019.
As the situation evolves, the international community remains vigilant, following developments in peace negotiations and military strategies. The deployment of such advanced weaponry highlights the ongoing complexities and dangers of the conflict.
