Breaking: Air Raid Alert in Kyiv Due to Potential Launch of Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles from Russia‘s Kapustin Yar
UPD 14:55: Air raid alert over. Source: Operinform Telegram channel
Ukrainian authorities have issued an air raid alert for Kyiv, with reports suggesting it’s due to a potential launch of medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBM) from Russia’s Kapustin Yar testing ground in Astrakhan Oblast. This is the same location from where the Oдан Oрех (Oreshkin) missile that targeted Dnipro was launched on November 21.
What We Know About the Oreshkin Strike on Ukraine
On November 21, Russia launched its first-ever attack on Ukraine using an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Oreshkin missile targeted Dnipro, resulting in minimal damage. Some media outlets suggested that Russia used a modified RS-26 Rubezh missile, which lacks a warhead.
Later that day, Putin justified the use of a hypersonic, non-nuclear ballistic missile as a response to British and American weapons attacks. Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence confirmed that Russia had launched a ballistic missile from the комплекс Кедр (Kedr) complex against Dnipro.
On November 28, Vladimir Putin openly threatened to strike "decision-making centers" in Kyiv with Oreshkin missiles between December 14 and 15. Putin’s rhetoric regarding the Oreshkin missile has been analyzed as a potential way to backpedal from his nuclear threats without sacrificing his aggressive stance.
Recently, intelligence sources suggest that Russia plans to begin serial production of the Oreshkin missile. On December 16, Putin hinted that mass production was imminent. Later, on December 22, he substantiated his claim and revealed his involvement in the missile’s development and testing.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
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