Russia's Oreshnik Missile Matters More For Deterrence Than Destruction

Russia’s nuclear strategy in Ukraine isn’t deterrence – it’s terror

For the third time in Russia’s war against Ukraine, it recently launched the nuclear-capable missile Oreshnik. This intermediate-range ballistic missile has been deployed against Ukrainian cities on two other notable occasions, striking Dnipro in November 2024 and Lviv in early 2026. In each of these launches, Vladimir Putin’s highly touted weapon carried no nuclear warhead. The latest alleged target was Kyiv, in May 2026, but the third Oreshnik…

Russia's Oreshnik Missile Matters More For Deterrence Than Destruction

Technical evidence and interviews suggest the Oreshnik's greatest value may lie in deterrence and strategic signaling rather than conventional battlefield effects.