The Russian leader’s use of the missile against Ukraine sends a powerful signal about his intention to weaken NATO and bend Europe’s security architecture to Russia’s will.

Hypersonic weapons like Russia’s Oreshnik missile present a formidable challenge to existing missile defense systems. However, defenses capable of intercepting them do exist.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said that he might use the new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile against "decision-making centres in Kyiv". Source: Putin quoted by Russian media Quote: "The Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are choosing targets for [Oreshnik] strikes against Ukraine.