Russia Warned the US About “Oreshnik” Test Launch 30 Minutes Before Strike, Says Reuters

Before launching a medium-range ballistic missile, referred to as "Oreshnik" by Russian Leader Vladimir Putin, Russia warned the United States of the impending strike on Ukraine, according to Reuters.

A US official, speaking during a briefing, stated that Washington was notified about the missile launch “through nuclear risk reduction channels,” Reuters reports.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed the notification to the Russian news agency TASS, saying it was sent via the Russian National Center for Nuclear Risk Reduction.

“The warning was sent automatically 30 minutes before the launch,” Peskov clarified.

US officials have downplayed the potential impact of the missile, describing it as an “experimental weapon.” They also believe Russia possesses only a small number of such missiles, according to Reuters.

Previously Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had launched the latest ballistic hypersonic missile "Oreshnik" missile at Ukraine.