"Oreshnik" near Lviv: A Dangerous Demonstration and a Game with European Security

10.01.2026 | War in Ukraine

Russia used the hypersonic missile "Oreshnik" near Lviv, close to the EU border, without military effect. The strike is a signal of escalation, demonstrating a willingness to take risks and exert pressure on Ukraine and the West. Kyiv insists on a reaction from the international community.

Снимка от Sabkdada, Wikimedia Commons, под лиценз GODL-India

Russia has once again used the hypersonic missile "Dagger" against Ukraine, this time near the border of the European Union. The strike, aimed at the Lviv region, has more of a political than a military effect, demonstrating a willingness to escalate. Despite the lack of destructive consequences, such as local gas supply interruptions, experts emphasize the risk of misinterpretation or a technical incident, given the missile's potential to carry a nuclear weapon. Ukraine has called the actions reckless and initiated emergency meetings of international organizations, demanding a clear response to the threat to regional security. The strike shows the Kremlin's willingness to use expensive weapons for pressure, rather than military success, as a warning signal to Europe.