Nutcracker Strike in Lviv Region: Why Russia Used a Missile Without a Warhead.

According to ТСН: The Russian attack with a new ballistic missile in the Lviv region appears more like a psychological operation than a military action at first glance. The use of the "Nutcracker" missile without a warhead indicates an attempt by the Kremlin to intimidate the West.

This is not the first instance of this missile being used on Ukrainian territory. As during the previous strike in Dnipro, it is likely that this time the Russians used a missile with inert "filling", which explains the lack of significant destruction usually associated with such weapons.

"In both cases, it seems more like testing rather than actual combat use. They used inert warheads, meaning there was steel or concrete inside," noted Narozhny.

The expert explained that the "Nutcracker" missile was developed as a delivery system for nuclear weapons and is intended to strike a large area in the upper layers of the atmosphere. However, the video captured debris falling over a relatively small area, which supports the version of a demonstration strike.

Who Was the Signal Addressed To

The choice of target in the Lviv region is not accidental, as the strike occurred close to Ukraine's western border.

"40 kilometers to the border with Poland, i.e., to the border with a NATO country. And this is primarily a threat to Europeans and Americans," emphasized the expert.

According to the specialist, Moscow is attempting to press on the Western audience, demonstrating its readiness to raise the stakes and threaten with the "nuclear club".

The Russian propaganda portrayed this strike as a "response" to an alleged attack on Valdai, which was not confirmed by either Ukraine or the USA. However, the military analyst believes that the real reasons for this strike have a geopolitical subtext.

The Kremlin is closely monitoring Washington's actions in other regions of the world.

"This is not a response to a mythical strike on Valdai, but a response to the actions of the USA regarding Venezuela," emphasized Narozhny.

Thus, the strike in the Lviv region should be viewed as an attempt at blackmail and a test of the reaction of the United States, rather than a tactical military operation.

Let us remind you that around midnight, Russia struck Lviv with a "Nutcracker". According to military data, this missile was traveling on a ballistic trajectory at a speed of about 13 thousand km/h, which is considered "ultra-high speed".

In the Air Forces, it was clarified that the Russians launched medium-range ballistic missiles from the "Kapustin Yar" testing ground in the Astrakhan region. Overall, throughout the night, the Russian Federation struck with various missiles, "Kalibrs", and hundreds of drones.

This situation once again demonstrates how the war in Ukraine has many dimensions, including informational, where each act of violence can have different causes and consequences. Such attacks not only escalate tensions in the region but also affect international relations, forcing Western states to respond to such threats.