Ukraine Examines Fragments of Russian Nuclear-Capable Missile “`
Ukraine’s Security Service is examining debris from a Russian-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that hit Dnipro on Thursday, marking the weapon’s first battlefield use.
On Sunday, the Service displayed fragments of the “Oreshnik” (Hazel Tree) IRBM to the Associated Press.
President Putin confirmed the attack, stating it retaliated against the U.S. and U.K.’s approval of Ukraine using Western-supplied long-range missiles against Russia.
The Pentagon identified the missile as based on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), though wreckage analysis is pending, according to Ukrainian security officials.
The AP and other media outlets viewed the fragments before investigators took possession.
The AP showed images of damaged wires and a charred airframe, remnants of the IRBM capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads.
“This is the first time such missile remains have been found in Ukraine,” a Ukrainian Security Service specialist, Oleh, stated.
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate reported the missile’s launch from Russia’s Kapustin Yar test range, flying 15 minutes before impacting Dnipro. It carried six warheads, each with six submunitions, traveling at Mach 11.
Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed the missile’s use as a “new type of lethal capability” and noted prior U.S. notification via nuclear risk reduction channels.
Putin stated a Mach 10 speed, differing from a Thursday report stating the missile wasn’t hypersonic (faster than Mach 5).
Alongside the IRBM’s first battlefield deployment, Putin enacted debt forgiveness for Russian army recruits fighting in Ukraine.
This measure, according to the AP, underscores Russia’s need for military personnel.
Interfax reported the law forgives up to 10 million rubles (about $96,000) in debts for one-year enlistees, applying to debts with court orders before December 1, 2024, and extending to spouses.