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.