Reports of possible “Oreshnik” missile strike in Bila Tserkva area

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by Suspilne, citing Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force.

The head of the Air Force Communications Department did not specify the impact site.

On May 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukrainian intelligence had received information from American and European partners regarding Russia’s preparations for a strike using an “Oreshnik” ballistic missile.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine stated that it had received information about a “potentially significant air strike that could occur at any time within the next 24 hours” in Ukraine.

The “Oreshnik” is a Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) which, according to the Ukrainian military, can reach speeds exceeding 12,300 km/h. The missile is equipped with six warheads, each of which reportedly contains submunitions. The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the “Oreshnik” as a modification of the RS-26 ‘Rubezh’ intermediate-range missile. Russia has stated that it will begin mass production of “Oreshnik” missiles in 2024.

As reported by Ukrinform, air defense systems have intercepted 55 missiles and 549 Russian drones used by the Russian army to attack Ukraine since the evening of May 23, with Kyiv being the main target. A total of 16 missiles and 51 attack drones were recorded hitting 54 locations.