This is reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom on X (Twitter). It is also reported by Kontrakty.UA.
According to the announcement, on November 21, Russia struck a Ukrainian factory in Dnipro, utilizing a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) code-named "Oreshnik" for the first time. The MRBM is classified as having a maximum range of 3,000 to 5,500 km. In this instance, the missile traveled to its target just over 800 km.
In February 2019, Russia announced its withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which prohibited the development and production of MRBMs. However, the development of "Oreshnik" likely occurred prior to this. It is quite possible that the system is a variant of the RS-26 "Rubezh" ballistic missile, which was first tested in 2011, the report states.
According to British intelligence, the missile's payload was recorded as six groups of six warheads, totaling 36 submunitions. These submunitions travel at hypersonic speed (over 5 Mach) before impact, which is typical for missiles of this class. All warheads of MRBMs and intercontinental ballistic missiles will travel at hypersonic speeds upon entering the atmosphere.
"The use of this experimental system against Ukraine was almost certainly intended as a strategic message following Ukraine's use of Western missiles against Russia. Russia likely has only a few 'Oreshnik' missiles that have not yet entered mass production. This missile is likely to be significantly more expensive than other missiles that Russia is currently using against Ukraine," the UK Ministry of Defence noted.
Putin's missile
Recall that on November 21, Russia struck Dnipro with a ballistic missile. Following this, Putin stated that it was supposedly a new 'Oreshnik' missile.
On November 28, Putin announced plans to launch a new strike with the ballistic missile he refers to as "Oreshnik" against Ukraine. "These could be military facilities, defense and industrial enterprises, decision-making centers in Kyiv," he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Putin used the new missile because he wants to disrupt the attempts of elected U.S. President Donald Trump to establish peace.