Oreshnik missile losing shock value in Ukraine and Europe, says expert

What happened

New Voice Ukraine reports Volodymyr Ohryzko, head of the Center for Russia Studies and former Ukrainian foreign minister, saying the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) has lost its “shock value” after being used three times. This assessment suggests diminished Russian leverage through this weapon.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Ohryzko's commentary points to a broader strategic context where Russia's capacity to intimidate Ukraine and Europe with missile strikes may be declining, potentially altering the psychological and tactical dynamics of the conflict.

The report does not provide detailed independent verification of the missile strikes' impact or of the exact circumstances confirming the missile system’s diminished effectiveness. The claim rests solely on a single expert’s evaluation as per New Voice Ukraine.

Known from the source

• Volodymyr Ohryzko is head of the Center for Russia Studies and a former Ukrainian foreign minister.
• New Voice Ukraine published a report on June 25, 2026, quoting Ohryzko on the Oreshnik missile.
• Ohryzko said Russia’s Oreshnik IRBM has been used three times.
• Ohryzko claims the missile no longer intimidates Ukraine or Europe.

What remains unclear

This perspective, if validated, could influence how Ukraine and its partners assess remaining Russian military threats and shape defensive or diplomatic responses accordingly.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of Oreshnik missile strikes and their efficacy. Corroboration from other sources or intelligence on the missile’s strategic impact. Confirm exact attribution of the missile uses and current operational status of Oreshnik.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: New Voice Ukraine. Open the source.