Ukraine has leveled accusations against Vladimir Putin for committing another ‘war crime’ following Russia’s launch of a powerful new hypersonic weapon during recent overnight attacks. The strikes resulted in the death of at least four individuals in Kyiv, with additional assaults hitting civilian areas in the Lviv region near the Polish border.
The Ukrainian SBU security service unveiled images of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile discovered amidst the debris in Lviv, confirming its classification of the weapon’s usage as a war crime. Notable components of the missile, such as its stabilisation and guidance block referred to as the “brains,” were showcased by Ukrainian investigators.
Detailed examination of the recovered parts, which include flight control and targeting units, engine components, and fragments of the orientation mechanism, is expected to provide valuable intelligence on the Russian Oreshnik missile. Initial analysis suggests the missile was launched from Russia’s Kapustin Yar test site located around 900 miles away.
The missile was allegedly deployed against civilian infrastructure rather than military targets, strategically timed during a period of extreme vulnerability for Ukraine due to severe cold weather conditions. Reports indicate that Europe’s largest gas storage facility was a primary target, coinciding with plummeting temperatures of -12C overnight.
The SBU accused the Kremlin of targeting critical civilian infrastructure near the EU border amid harsh weather conditions, aiming to disrupt operations. A war crimes case has been initiated under Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code to address the violation of laws and customs of war.
Although promoted by Moscow as an advanced strategic weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the Oreshnik missile is perceived to have limited practical value on the battlefield, with past Russian launches lacking explosive warheads and serving more as intimidation tools.
Security sources suggest that the recent attack in the Lviv region, near NATO and EU territory, was intended to convey a political message rather than achieve a military advantage. Efforts are underway to identify those responsible for orchestrating and executing the strike to ensure accountability.
Key leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have engaged in discussions with international counterparts to address the escalating situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts with the US to secure a peace deal. The ongoing attacks by Russia in Ukraine, including the use of an Oreshnik missile, were condemned as escalatory and unacceptable by global leaders.