Russia's Oreshnik Missile Capable of Rapid Strikes

Recent maps reveal that Russia's hypersonic Oreshnik missile, relocated to Belarus, could strike key targets in Europe within minutes, raising alarm among NATO nations. The missile is capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 10, which Russian President Vladimir Putin claims makes it virtually impossible for current air defense systems to intercept. Estimates suggest that the missile could reach London in under nine minutes and U.S. military bases in Europe in as little as 3.2 minutes. Despite these intimidating claims, U.S. officials doubt the actual number of these missiles in Belarus, estimating only a few, contradicting President Alexander Lukashenko's assertion of several dozen. Analysts note that, while the missile poses a significant threat, its recent use in Ukraine was largely ineffective due to being unarmed. The situation reflects ongoing tensions, particularly following the West's decision to support Ukraine with advanced missile technology.