Oreshnik missile strike on Ukraine's Lviv region shows Russian intimidation tactics - Air Force
Head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command Yurii Ihnat (photo: Suspilne Media).
Russia is using medium-range ballistic missiles against Ukraine in an attempt to intimidate the West and influence Ukraine's partners. The Oreshnik strike on the Lviv region had a demonstrative and media-driven character, said Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command.
"We do not know what Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin – ed.) calls Oreshnik. We are talking about a medium-range ballistic missile. Of course, this is a weapon Putin has repeatedly used to intimidate the West. Let's put it this way, he uses it against Ukraine," Ihnat explained.
According to him, the previous time there was a similar attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, "but today it is the Lviv region."
As the Air Force representative said, with such strikes, Russia is trying to create a loud information effect and demonstrate an alleged ability to strike near the borders of NATO countries.
"In this way, the enemy creates a powerful media narrative because it needs to intimidate the West. Supposedly, 'we strike far, we strike right up to the borders of NATO countries.' Lviv is clearly close to Poland. That is why the enemy chose this region to carry out such attack actions in order to influence our partners," Ihnat noted.
He also explained that massive strikes on Ukraine are aimed not only at putting pressure on international partners, but also at intimidating the population, especially ahead of colder weather.
"In addition, panic, of course, on the eve of frosts, massive strikes. You understand that they are hitting critical infrastructure facilities in virtually all regions. This includes Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, we have seen Dnipro, power outages. This is being done specifically to influence the population," Ihnat added.
Oreshnik strike on Lviv region
A series of explosions was heard overnight in the Lviv region after reports that Russia had carried out launches from the Kapustin Yar range in the Arkhangelsk region.
After that, local authorities reported a hit on a critical infrastructure facility and a partial disruption of gas supplies.
Later, the West Air Command reported that the ballistic missile that struck the Lviv region flew at about 13,000 kilometers per hour, and its type will be determined after studying all its components.
Russia rushed to confirm the launch of a ballistic missile at Lviv. At the same time, Russia mentioned a fake claim about an alleged attack on Putin's residence to justify its latest act of terror.
However, the Air Force did not confirm an Oreshnik strike, but indicated that the launch site was the Kapustin Yar range, where missiles of this type are based.
