Putin Says Oreshnik Missile to Enter Russia's Arsenals by Year's End

Is this move intended to maintain the global balance of power, or is it another act of Russian intimidation?
Putin Says Oreshnik Missile to Enter Russia's Arsenals by Year's End
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses his country's Defense Ministry in Moscow on Dec. 17. Image credit: Mikhail Tereshchenko/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Russia narrative

The entry of the Oreshnik missile into Russia's arsenals is a decisive step in deterring aggression and maintaining the global balance of power. Russia will continue to develop its strategic nuclear capabilities to this end.

Pro-Ukraine narrative

Russia is not only deploying the Oreshnik in its own arsenals but plans to station these nuclear-capable weapons in Belarus as well. By putting these weapons on Europe's doorstep, Putin is continuing his campaign of intimidation in the hopes it will weaken the continent's support of Ukraine.

Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures


The Controversies



Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.19.1

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.19.1