Ukraine has leveled accusations against Vladimir Putin for committing another ‘war crime’ following Russia’s launch of an advanced hypersonic weapon during recent overnight attacks. The assaults resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals in Kyiv due to a barrage from Russian forces, with additional strikes hitting civilian areas in the Lviv region near the Polish border.
The Ukrainian SBU security service has unveiled images of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile discovered amidst the wreckage in Lviv. The SBU confirmed it is treating the weapon’s deployment as a violation of international law. Investigative teams revealed fragments of the missile, including vital components like the guidance system and stabilization unit.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the missile was fired from Russia’s Kapustin Yar test site, nearly 900 miles away. These recovered parts have been designated as evidence and will be subjected to detailed forensic scrutiny, potentially yielding crucial insights into the Russian Oreshnik missile system.
Officials in Ukraine have asserted that the missile was directed at civilian infrastructure rather than military targets, exacerbating the vulnerability of Ukraine, particularly in the face of severe weather conditions. Reports indicate that Europe’s largest gas storage facility was a primary target, coinciding with plummeting temperatures as low as -12C overnight.
The SBU has accused the Kremlin of a deliberate attempt to destabilize critical civilian infrastructure near the EU border, exploiting the harsh weather conditions. A war crimes investigation has been initiated under Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code to address the breach of international laws during the attack.
The Oreshnik missile, touted by Moscow as a cutting-edge strategic weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has been previously utilized by Russia without explosive payloads, serving as a tool of intimidation rather than destruction. While the SBU did not confirm the presence of a full warhead on the missile, they stated that the recovered remnants align with those of a medium-range ballistic strike.
The geographical proximity of the strike to NATO and EU territories in the Lviv region has raised concerns among Ukrainian authorities. Security sources believe that the attack was orchestrated to convey a political message rather than achieve significant military gains, emphasizing the element of fear.
Efforts are underway to identify all individuals involved in planning and executing the strike to hold them accountable under criminal law. Additionally, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has engaged with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Greenland, and Iran. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to close collaboration with the US in securing a peace agreement for Ukraine amidst Russia’s escalating actions, including the deployment of the Oreshnik missile in western Ukraine.