Russia launched Oreshnik intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile at Ukraine in retaliation for Ukraine’s deployment of long-range missiles provided by the United States and the United Kingdom. Russia has denied using any ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) & confirmed of firing intermediate-range hypersonic missile & named it as “Oreshnik”.

The 9M729-Oreshnik (Meaning “the Hazel”) is a Russian hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) unveiled by President Vladimir Putin in a speech on November 21, 2024. The missile is reported to reach speeds of Mach 10 (12,300 km/h; 7,610 mph; 3.40 km/s), making it highly challenging to intercept.

The battle game has attained a peak dimension in Ukraine during last few days, wherein, both Ukraine & Russia seem to have strategic aim of gaining more power before a pending negotiation, albeit with a dangerous turn of events, involving lethal long range & hypersonic missiles.

President Putin cautioned in a televised address that the conflict had acquired “elements of a global nature” and emphasized that Moscow was prepared for “any scenario” in its standoff with Kyiv and Western nations. Russian government stated with importance, that western nations or NATO nations enabling Ukraine with weapons are legitimate targets for Russian strikes. The Russian president warned that U.S. air defense systems would be powerless to stop the Oreshnik Intermediate-Range Hypersonic Ballistic Missile flying at Mach 10.

“Absolutely, Britain is now directly involved in this war, this long-range storm shadow & ATACMS firing by Ukraine cannot happen without UK and NATO support. On that subject, I can say easily that we have plenty of mercenaries from different countries that are fighting right now on the side of Ukraine”

 Andrei Kelin, Moscow’s Ambassador in London

The deployment of Oreshnik Intermediate-Range Hypersonic Ballistic Missile in the conflict sparks worries about potential escalation and the increased risk of other nations becoming involved. The ongoing war and the introduction of advanced weapons such as the Oreshnik missile underscore the growing complexity and heightened risks.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the attack on Dnipro was carried out from Russia’s Astrakhan region near the Caspian Sea.

“Today, our crazy neighbor once again showed what he really is, and how afraid he is. It is a clear and severe escalation in the scale and brutality of this war”

Volodymyr Zelensky, President, Ukraine

The deployment of Oreshnik Intermediate-Range Hypersonic Ballistic Missile may or may not hold major military significance but entail substantial symbolic & escalation scope, particularly in light of Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine, which is now fragile after lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons.

Launch of Oreshnik Intermediate-Range Hypersonic Ballistic Missile gives as a clear signal to Ukraine & NATO, that Russia possesses a diverse and more extensive missile arsenal and is prepared to use it further and develop them despite various treaties that restrict use of such weapons on civilians.

NATO’s response should combine military readiness with diplomatic and economic strategies, focusing on deterring further use of  Oreshnik Intermediate-Range Hypersonic Ballistic Missile or similar lethal weapons on civilians, while exploring avenues for peaceful resolution. The alliance needs to demonstrate unity and resolve, ensuring that any move by Russia to escalate further will be met with a robust and coordinated international response.

Whether through diplomacy, increased Western support for Ukraine, or internal pressures on Russia, the international community’s response in the coming months will likely define the trajectory of this war, especially for Donald Trump, the U.S. President-elect. Donald Trump will assume the presidency in January 2025 and his approach might indeed focus on brokering a ceasefire, that may involve Ukraine to reluctantly accept losing territory.

However, achieving such a ceasefire would require navigating complex dynamics, including deep mistrust between parties, NATO’s commitments, and the broader strategic implications of Russia’s actions, especially when weapons like Oreshnik Intermediate-Range Hypersonic Ballistic Missile are striking Ukraine.