Putin stated that Russia could use ‘Oreshnik’ again if necessary

If necessary, the Russian army may use the new medium-range ballistic missile “Oreshnik” again, but it is currently not in a hurry to do so.

This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin while answering questions from journalists after the summit of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC).

The statement was broadcast on the Kremlin’s Telegram channel.

The Russian head of state recalled a recent comprehensive strike by Russian forces on Ukraine using high-precision long-range weapons. According to him, if the use of more powerful medium-range weapons is required, Russia will deploy them.

“This is no secret, and we do not hide it. I have already mentioned that we do not yet have many of these ‘Oreshnik’ systems. We are in no rush to use them because this is powerful weaponry. It is intended for addressing specific tasks,” Putin emphasized.

Recently, during a live Q&A session combined with the annual press conference, Vladimir Putin proposed to the West a “high-tech duel” involving the use of the “Oreshnik” hypersonic ballistic missile.

Addressing the president, a journalist noted that Western experts continue to describe the “Oreshnik” as a modification of old Soviet-era weaponry, claiming it could be intercepted by air defense systems “even during launch.”

“If those Western experts you mentioned believe that, let them propose—both to us and to those in the West and the U.S. who pay them for their analysis—to conduct a technological experiment, a sort of 21st-century high-tech duel,” Putin responded.

He suggested designating a target in Kyiv, where “all air defense and missile defense forces” would be concentrated.

“We’ll strike it with the ‘Oreshnik’ and see what happens. We are ready for such an experiment. Is the other side ready?” the head of state asked.