Oreshnik or Kedr: Ukrainian Intel Chief Explains Confusion Over the Name of Russia’s New Ballistic Missile

Ukrainian Military Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov clarified the confusion surrounding the name of the missile Russia used to strike the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on November 21.

"‘Oreshnik’ is the name of the research project, it’s just its code. The system itself is called ‘Kedr.’ It is an experimental system, a medium-range ballistic missile," Budanov said in a comment to Interfax Ukraine.

Ukrainian Military Intelligence chief explained that the "Kedr" ballistic missile is designed to carry nuclear warheads.

"The missile contains six warhead blocks. By October, Russia was supposed to have produced two prototypes, though they may have made a few more. However, this is not yet mass production," he said.

"The fact that it was used in a non-nuclear configuration is a warning that they've completely lost their minds."

Earlier, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has provided new details about the ballistic missile used by Russia in the November 21 strike on Dnipro, reporting that the missile was likely launched from the Russian "Kedr" system.

On November 21, Ukrainian Air Force indicated that the missile was likely an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) RS-26 Rubezh, while Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced on November 21 that Russia had launched the latest ballistic hypersonic missile "Oreshnik" missile at Ukraine, claiming it was a test launch.