Sunday, May 24, 2026- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that intelligence reports suggest Russia could be preparing to deploy the “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile in its ongoing war against Ukraine, raising concerns about a potential escalation in long-range strike capabilities.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian defense agencies are closely monitoring movements and preparations that could indicate an imminent launch or expanded use of advanced missile systems against key Ukrainian targets.
The warning comes amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities, with air defenses already stretched by repeated large-scale barrages.
Ukrainian officials say the possible use of Oreshnik-class hypersonic weapons would represent a significant shift in battlefield pressure, as such systems are designed to travel at extreme speeds and are difficult to intercept with conventional air defense systems. Military analysts say any deployment would likely be aimed at critical infrastructure or command-and-control facilities to increase psychological and operational pressure.
The development has heightened fears of further escalation in a conflict already marked by frequent long-range strikes and retaliatory attacks on both sides. Ukraine is urging continued Western support for air defense systems, while NATO allies are monitoring the situation closely for signs of broader regional risk.
For now, officials stress that the intelligence is not confirmed operational use, but they warn that the situation remains highly volatile and could change rapidly depending on Russia’s next moves.
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