ANALYSIS-Putin sends warning to Ukraine and West with weapon not used since 2024

A part of Russian nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile system at the site of the Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Lviv region, Ukraine January 9, 2026. Security Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS

LONDON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin's launch of ‌an Oreshnik hypersonic missile appears aimed at intimidating Ukraine and sending a signal of Russian military might to Europe and the United States at a crucial juncture in talks to end the war.

Putin ‌has repeatedly boasted of the speed and destructive power of the Oreshnik, which Russia first fired at Ukraine in November 2024. Since then, it has kept the weapon in reserve.