Ukraine has lodged a fresh accusation of a ‘war crime’ against Vladimir Putin following the launch of a powerful new hypersonic weapon by Russia in recent overnight attacks.
In Kyiv, a Russian assault led to the tragic deaths of at least four individuals, while strikes also hit civilian areas in the Lviv region near the Polish border.
Today, Ukraine’s SBU security service unveiled images of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile discovered in the debris in Lviv, affirming that it was treating the weapon’s deployment as a war crime.
Key components of the missile, such as the stabilisation and guidance block described as its “brains,” were showcased by Ukrainian investigators.
Analysis indicates that the missile was fired from Russia’s Kapustin Yar test site, situated about 900 miles away. These recovered parts are now classified as evidence for further forensic examination, potentially yielding critical insights into the Russian Oreshnik system.
The missile was reportedly directed at civilian infrastructure rather than military targets, exploiting a time of heightened vulnerability for Ukraine amidst severe cold weather conditions.
Reports suggest that a major gas storage facility in Europe was a specific target of the strike, coinciding with plummeting temperatures to -12°C overnight.
According to the SBU, the Kremlin’s objective was to disrupt crucial civilian infrastructure near the EU border amid deteriorating weather conditions.
A probe into war crimes has been initiated under Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, focusing on breaches of the laws and customs of war.
The Oreshnik missile, touted by Moscow as a cutting-edge strategic weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has been previously deployed by Russia without explosive warheads, serving as a tool of intimidation rather than destruction.
While the SBU did not confirm the presence of a full warhead, the recovered fragments align with a medium-range ballistic strike.
The location of the attack, near NATO and EU territory in the Lviv region, has triggered concerns among Ukrainian officials, who view it as a political message rather than a military advancement.
Efforts are underway by the SBU to identify and hold accountable all individuals involved in planning and executing the strike.
Additionally, discussions between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European leaders highlighted the urgency of close coordination with the US to broker a peace agreement for Ukraine and address the escalating situation.