French President Emmanuel Macron and EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Russia's use of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile in Ukraine.
The deployment of this weapon marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as the missile's ability to carry nuclear warheads brings the warring parties closer to a direct nuclear confrontation.
Russia launched the massive overnight attack on Sunday, May 26, 2024, targeting civilian areas [1, 3]. The strike killed at least four people [1] and injured dozens [1]. The Oreshnik is described as an intermediate-range missile by some sources [1], while others classify it as a medium-range ballistic missile [3].
Macron said the strikes targeting civilians signal the dead end of Russia’s war of aggression. He said that the targeting of non-combatants highlights the desperation of the Russian military campaign.
Kallas said Moscow is engaging in reckless nuclear brinkmanship. She said that the use of such high-capability weaponry against civilian infrastructure represents a dangerous shift in the strategic landscape of the war.
International observers have noted the gravity of the weapon's deployment. Mark Carney said Russia’s second use of the Oreshnik missile shows a dangerous escalation in the Ukraine war [4]. The missile's hypersonic speed and nuclear capability make it difficult to intercept, increasing the risk to civilian populations.
European leaders have called for a coordinated response to deter further escalations. The use of the Oreshnik is viewed as a signal from the Kremlin to the West regarding the potential for further escalation if current support for Ukraine continues.
“Moscow is engaging in reckless nuclear brinkmanship.”
The deployment of the Oreshnik missile suggests Russia is utilizing its nuclear-capable arsenal as a psychological tool to pressure European leadership. By targeting civilian areas with a weapon that blends hypersonic speed with nuclear potential, Moscow is testing the resolve of NATO and EU allies while signaling that it is willing to bypass traditional escalation ladders to maintain its strategic goals in Ukraine.
