Russia attacked Lviv with the Oreshnik missile: NATO's threat is just 10 minutes away.

According to ТСН: The shelling of Ukraine with the medium-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik" by Russia has raised significant concern not only in Ukraine but also beyond its borders. The attack on Lviv on January 8 posed urgent questions for Europe and NATO regarding the security and effectiveness of our defense systems.

The hypersonic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, was launched during an intense nighttime bombardment. The enemy fired 278 missiles and drones, striking western, central, and southeastern Ukraine.

Although the physical destruction in Lviv was limited to just one infrastructure facility, experts note that the entire attack carries deep symbolic significance — the missile struck just 60 km (40 miles) from the Polish border.

"This brings the deployment of such a system closer to NATO territory than the previous strike on Dnipro in November 2024," analysts note.

10 minutes to Britain: Characteristics of the 'Oreshnik'

The main threat of this missile lies in its speed and range. The faster the missile flies, the less time there is for air defense systems to detect and intercept it.

The range of the 'Oreshnik' is up to 5500 km, allowing it to reach much of Europe.

According to estimates from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a ballistic missile launched from western Russia could reach Great Britain within 10 minutes.

Experts note a disturbing trend: While Ukraine was previously able to intercept about 80% of enemy targets, this figure fell to 54% in the last quarter of 2025. Hypersonic systems like the 'Oreshnik' are designed to significantly reduce the effectiveness of air defense.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, has already called the 'Oreshnik' a serious threat to European security.

Kremlin's warning shot

Defense industry specialists believe the demonstration of the missile's capabilities, such as speed, range, and survivability, carries significant importance from Moscow's perspective.

• The attack occurred against the backdrop of changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine.

• Russia warned that any military facilities of Britain or France in Ukraine would become "legitimate targets".

• The 'Oreshnik' is positioned as a weapon capable of destroying underground bunkers.

Although the recent strike was likely carried out using inert warheads (without explosives), it only enhances the Kremlin's coercion. Putin demonstrates a willingness to raise the stakes, trying to force NATO to withdraw its support for Ukraine.

Aviation expert Valeriy Romanenko believes the threat of repeated strikes by the 'Oreshnik' missile in the coming months is minimal. He noted that Russia lacks the capabilities for serial production of these missiles and is more likely using them as a demonstration of power. According to data from the GUR, the Kremlin might have no more than two such missiles, one of which has already been used, and the production of new ones will require a long time.

It is worth noting that the shelling with the 'Oreshnik' underscores the deteriorating security situation in Europe and the importance of a rapid response from the international community. In the face of a growing threat, countries may reconsider their defense strategies to ensure the reliability of their air defense systems. Relevant efforts may also include improving technologies to counter modern threats posed by aggressors.