Ukraine Learns The Debris Of Russia's New Hypersonic Ballistic Missiles Oreshnik

Illustration of missile firing. (Twitter / @ intelligencefnt)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian researchers are studying Russia's new medium-range ballistic missile debris fired into Dnipro City on Thursday last week, the first time such powerful weapons were used in war.

Pieces of charred and destroyed debris were placed on the hanger at a facility that did forensic weapons. Ukrainian experts studied the debris to gain insight into Russian military supply chains, production, and how to develop countermeasures.

Reuters was one of a small group of journalists who were given access to the missile debris on Sunday. Journalists were asked not to reveal the exact location for security reasons.

Russia calls its new missile a hypersonic ballistic type called Oreshnik, claiming it was impossible to intercept it with air defenses. Ukraine said the weapon reached a top speed of more than 13,000 kph (8,000 mph) on its way to Dnipro on Thursday.

Two Ukrainian experts gave careful assessments, only saying it was a ballistic missile, flew on ballistic trajectories and the attack resulted in civilian damage. They refused to answer questions or give their last name.

"This is an initial conclusion and to say something more concrete requires time and careful study of the remains of the missile," said Ivan, one of the experts.

"This is the first time such missile remains have been found in Ukrainian territory", said an investigator for Ukraine's Security Service.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the use of weapons a severe escalation and urged his allies to respond.

The Kremlin itself said it had fired a new medium-range missile at Ukraine's military target in Dnipro, in response to the Kyiv attack on Russia with missiles made in the United States and Britain for the first time, after Washington gave its approval.

President Vladimir Putin on Friday said Russia's medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile system was not an upgraded version of the former Soviet version, in line with the latest and modern developments.

Claiming the missile attacked at Mach 10 speed, a modern air defense system and a missile defense system deployed by the US in Europe, unable to intercept the Orestnik missile.

Kremlin leaders also said Moscow would continue to test the missile in combat and have stock ready for use.