Russia plans to place its newly developed Oreshnik medium-range missile system into operational service before the end of this year, according to President Vladimir Putin. The announcement was made during a Defense Ministry address focused on summarizing military developments and outlining future priorities.
Putin presented Oreshnik as one of several advanced weapons intended to preserve Russia’s strategic parity and security over the coming decades. The system, which Moscow first publicly acknowledged in late 2024, is positioned as a central component of Russia’s evolving deterrence posture rather than a standalone battlefield asset.
Alongside Oreshnik, Putin highlighted progress on two other high-profile systems, the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone. Both are powered by compact nuclear reactors and are designed to extend operational range beyond conventional limits.
According to the president, these programs have reached key developmental milestones and are now moving into refinement and improvement phases. His remarks suggested that Russia views these weapons as already viable, even as further testing and upgrades continue.
Russia first revealed the existence of Oreshnik following a strike on a Ukrainian defense-related facility in November 2024. Officials described the launch as a combat test, signaling confidence in the system’s readiness under operational conditions.
The missile is widely understood to be capable of carrying multiple independently targetable warheads with nuclear capability. Putin has previously stated that even the conventional variant used in Ukraine delivers destructive power comparable to a low-yield nuclear weapon, a comparison that underscores its psychological and strategic signaling role.
Moscow has since announced plans to deploy elements of the Oreshnik system in Belarus, reinforcing military integration with its closest regional ally. During the Defense Ministry meeting, Putin also emphasized broader military reforms, including incorporating battlefield experience from Ukraine into weapons development and addressing social and medical support for service members.
He coupled these domestic priorities with a warning to Western governments, accusing them of escalating tensions and ignoring diplomatic avenues. Putin argued that Russia has consistently sought negotiated solutions, placing responsibility for missed opportunities on those who, in his view, rely on coercive pressure rather than dialogue.