Ukraine's Air Force has issued a warning indicating a high probability of Russia launching an Oreshnik missile from Belarus within the next 24 hours. The launch is anticipated to originate from the Kapustin Yar launch site in southern Russia.
The warning of a potential Russian missile launch, particularly one capable of carrying nuclear warheads, heightens concerns about escalation in the ongoing conflict and poses an immediate threat to Ukrainian civilian safety.
Ukraine's Air Force has warned of a high probability that Russia will launch an intermediate-range ballistic missile, identified as the Oreshnik, within the next 24 hours. The warning suggests the launch may originate from the Kapustin Yar launch site in southern Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Ukrainian citizens to remain vigilant and take air raid alerts seriously, indicating that a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack could be imminent. This warning follows a series of significant attacks on the capital in recent weeks.
The Oreshnik missile is described as a modified version of the Rubezh surface-to-surface missile and has been used three times during the full-scale war. Its most recent deployment was on May 24, targeting Bila Tserkva in Kyiv Oblast. While previous launches carried inert payloads, the missile is capable of deploying up to six nuclear-capable reentry vehicles, carrying a total of 36 warheads. Russia has previously used the Oreshnik as part of its campaign of threats, suggesting it could be used against Ukraine's political leadership and government institutions.