Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missile system allegedly struck Russian positions in occupied Donetsk, Ukraine, following a launch from Kapustin Yar test site around 1am on May 24. Researchers from the Study of War believe the missile detonated off course after a double launch, with footage showing explosions near landmarks including the unfinished Rose Park shopping mall in Russian-held territory. Reports claim the missile system malfunctions on up to a quarter of launches, raising concerns about its reliability as Putin orders construction of a new launch base in Belarus.
Oreshnik Missile Strikes Russian-Occupied Donetsk After Launch Malfunction
Footage showed explosions close to Donetsk landmarks, including the unfinished Rose Park shopping mall in territory occupied by Russian forces. The initial missile fired at around 1am on May 24 failed and crashed in Donetsk, while the second struck its intended target in Bila Tserkva near Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Warheads are thought to have hit Russian-held towns of Avdiivka or Yasynuvata, 25 miles beyond Russian lines. Ukrainian monitoring channels claim the explosion may have hit Russian military positions.
Medvedev Threatens Strikes on Nuclear Power Plants
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev issued a warning after Moscow was accused of fabricating a claim that Ukrainians struck Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with a drone. Ukraine rejected launching the drone assault and accused Russia of staging a "false flag" operation. Medvedev stated: "The response to such actions could be a symmetrical strike against Ukrainian nuclear power plants as well as NATO countries involved in the conflict."
Reports Cite 25% Failure Rate for Oreshnik System
Reports claim the Oreshnik missile system fails on up to a quarter of launches. Putin has commanded the construction of a new launch base for the nuclear-capable missile in Belarus, which shares borders with NATO countries.
FAQ
What happened to Russia's Oreshnik missile on May 24?
The Oreshnik hypersonic missile allegedly malfunctioned after launch from Kapustin Yar test site around 1am on May 24. The first missile failed and crashed in Russian-occupied Donetsk, while the second hit its intended target in Bila Tserkva near Kyiv.
What did Dmitry Medvedev say about nuclear power plants?
Medvedev stated that the response to alleged Ukrainian actions could be "a symmetrical strike against Ukrainian nuclear power plants as well as NATO countries involved in the conflict" after Russia was accused of fabricating claims about a drone strike on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
What is the reported failure rate of the Oreshnik missile system?
Reports claim the Oreshnik missile system malfunctions on up to a quarter of launches, raising concerns about its reliability.
