Ukraine has leveled accusations against Vladimir Putin for what they claim is another ‘war crime’, following the launch of a powerful new hypersonic weapon by Russia in recent overnight attacks. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals in Kyiv due to a barrage carried out by Russian forces. In addition, civilian areas in the Lviv region, near the Polish border, were also hit.
The Ukrainian SBU security service has released images showing debris from the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile discovered in Lviv. They have officially declared the use of this weapon as a war crime. Key components of the missile, including its stabilisation and guidance block, were among the fragments recovered by Ukrainian investigators.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the missile was launched from Russia’s Kapustin Yar test site, approximately 900 miles away. The recovered parts have been classified as evidence and will undergo detailed forensic examination, potentially providing crucial intelligence on the Russian Oreshnik missile.
Reports suggest that a major gas storage facility in Europe was a target of the attack, particularly as temperatures plummeted to -12C overnight. The SBU has accused the Kremlin of targeting essential civilian infrastructure near the EU border, taking advantage of severe weather conditions.
A war crimes case has been initiated under Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, focusing on violations of the laws and customs of war. The Oreshnik missile, highlighted by Moscow as a cutting-edge strategic weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has been utilized by Russia in the past without explosive warheads, serving as a tool of intimidation rather than destruction.
Despite not confirming the presence of a full warhead, the SBU noted that the recovered missile fragments align with a medium-range ballistic strike. The location of the strike near NATO and EU territory has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials, who believe it was more of a political statement than a military advancement.
Efforts are underway to identify and hold accountable all individuals responsible for organizing and executing the attack. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has engaged with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the situation in Ukraine, Greenland, and Iran, reaffirming close coordination with the US to achieve a peace deal in Ukraine. The leaders condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine as provocative and unacceptable.