Ukrainian missile forensics experts say debris recovered from Russia’s January use of the Oreshnik missile indicates the weapon is much older than some claims made by Moscow. According to reporting from multiple outlets, analysts examining components and electronic circuitry from a January 2026 strike—described as hitting a gas depot in the Lviv region—conclude the missile was assembled in 2017, using parts dated to 2016 or earlier. The experts also say the missile’s construction relies on Russian and Belarusian components, contradicting Kremlin assertions about the weapon’s origin and development.
The sources also describe the Oreshnik as an intermediate-range ballistic missile that is nuclear-capable, with a reported range of more than 5,000 kilometers. They further note that Russia first used the Oreshnik against Ukraine in 2024, and that the limited number of launches in the January 2026 attack provides Kyiv with material to study. The reports reflect Ukrainian assessments and do not include independent verification from other parties.
