The first results of the investigation into the crash site of the Russian "Oreshnik" intermediate-range ballistic missile units in Bila Tserkva have refuted Russian propaganda claims regarding a supposedly super-powerful "kinetic" warhead. This was reported by Defense Express, according to UNN.
Details
The Russian side claimed that the "Oreshnik," in its so-called "kinetic" variant, uses special tungsten rods to strike hardened targets and underground shelters. However, as analysts note, the third use of this IRBM against Ukraine has failed to confirm the stated effectiveness. Following the strikes on Dnipro and Lviv, similar results were recorded in Bila Tserkva.
Craters turned out to be significantly smaller than propaganda claims
According to Defense Express, the average size of the craters after the impact of the "Oreshnik" units was up to three meters in diameter and up to two meters in depth. The missile components themselves were almost completely destroyed and partially evaporated due to the impact energy, making it impossible to definitively determine the type of submunitions at this time.
Experts note that the nature of the damage and the scale of destruction correspond to previous strikes by this missile and do not indicate the use of a new warhead. The estimated impact energy is valued at 220-400 megajoules, which can be conventionally compared to the explosion of 52-95 kg of TNT, although the damage mechanism is fundamentally different due to the lack of fragmentation effect.
Russia produces "Oreshniks" significantly slower than "Shaheds"
Defense Express notes that the total destructive effect of one "Oreshnik" strike with 36 units roughly corresponds to the use of 36 "Shaheds" with reinforced warheads, although the nature of the impact remains different. At the same time, the production rates of these systems differ significantly.
According to the publication's estimates, in 2026, Russia plans to manufacture only five "Oreshnik" missiles—approximately one every 2-2.5 months. For comparison, the production of 36 "Shahed"-type kamikaze drones takes about eight hours.