US says Russia uses new missile in Ukraine attack

The U.S. believes Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile in its recent attack on Ukraine, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. This missile, based on the RS-26 Rubezh design, is considered experimental and may only exist in limited numbers. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the strike on a Ukrainian military facility using the missile, named "Oreshnik." The Pentagon noted that while the missile was fired with a conventional warhead, it could be modified for different warheads in the future. Putin stated the missile launch was a response to recent Ukrainian strikes using Western weapons, not a reaction to U.S. missile defense efforts in Poland. This development may influence NATO countries' decisions on air defense systems and offensive capabilities.