A Russian strike with a nuclear-capable intercontinental Oreshnik missile strike in Lviv Oblast destroyed a collection of Lenin's works. The warheads have high penetrative power, but it is not “fantastic” as the Russian media describes, says military expert Serhii Beskrestnov.
Oreshnik's strike was aimed to demonstrate teeth
According to Beskrestnov, the choice of a target in the west of Ukraine was deliberate. Lviv Oblast borders Poland. The strike with the Oreshnik was not intended to cause massive destruction but to demonstrate strength.
“I believe this was a message to Europe about Russia’s capabilities and resolve. That’s why a western Ukrainian city was chosen as the target,” the expert, also known as Flash, says.
The myth of the unique "bunker-penetrating missile"
Flash also doubts Russian claims that the Oreshnik can hit heavily protected underground bunkers.
“To give you an idea of the warhead’s energy: it pierced two concrete slabs and burned a complete collection of Lenin’s works in the building. I’m not kidding,” the expert adds.
A tool of intimidation of Europe as the stakes are rising
Claims that the warhead can penetrate tens of meters into the ground are inaccurate, according to the expert.
The actual impact shows that the missile’s capabilities are overstated by Russian propaganda to intimidate the public and the international community.
The same missile has been set in Belarus, putting European cities within its range. Since the US has abandoned sending aid packages to Ukraine, leaving Europe "in charge" of Kyiv's aid, the intimidation of the allies has increased.
