Russia’s President Vladimir Putin recently announced the Oreshnik missile, a potentially game-changing weapon that could dramatically alter the geopolitical landscape in Europe, affecting not only Ukraine but the broader E.U., including Greece, as well.
The Oreshnik is a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, the use of which represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and poses a direct threat to European nations that support Kyiv in its defence against Russian aggression.
Russia’s Oreshnik Missile could reach Europe in minutes
Oreshnik is a word that translates as “hazel tree” in Russian. It is a nuclear-capable missile with extraordinary characteristics that include speeds that are exceptionally fast. This Russian missile travels at Mach 10-11, which is 2.5-3 kilometers per second.
It has a range of nearly all of Europe and can potentially carry three to six independently guided warheads.
Russia claims that the Oreshnik is un-interceptable by current air defense systems that are operated by NATO.
Russia’s Oreshnik and the implications for Greece
Greece finds itself in a particularly vulnerable position within this tough geopolitical game. Despite historically maintaining good relations with Russia due to religious and cultural similarities, the country has firmly aligned with NATO and the E.U. since the invasion of Ukraine. This stance could potentially make Greece a target as its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia could make it an easy mark.
Greece has consistently supported Ukraine since February 2022, when Russia launched its offensive. Athens has been providing military and humanitarian aid, aligning with its Western allies of NATO and the E.U. This position, while morally justified due to Russia’s illegal invasion, potentially increases the country’s risks.
The main concerns for Greece are its proximity to potential conflict zones, including Ukraine and the Middle East, its strategic importance as NATO’s southern flank and the recent military support that the Mitsotakis government offered to Ukraine. Additionally, the port of Alexandroupolis as a critical logistics hub for Western military aid towards Kyiv as it connects the Mediterranean to the western parts of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s former military Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhny recently said that World War III has already begun, citing the involvement of multiple international actors like North Korea and Iran in the conflict. This, with the added will of the U.S. and the U.K. to allow Ukraine to hit deep inside Russia with their own weapons, complicates the situation even further.
The situation became even more precarious following Putin’s recent actions, including updating Russia’s nuclear doctrine, openly threatening Western countries with attack, deploying advanced weaponry, such as the Oreshnik missile and mobilizing international allies like North Korea.
Is it all doom and gloom?
While the Oreshnik missile and its dramatic entrance to the world military stage is undoubtedly a significant threat for the entire world, diplomatic experts suggest that the rhetoric of Vladimir Putin is largely “performative.”
In other words, he’s trying to show off rather than initiate a devastating world conflict. However, the real risk lies not in direct confrontation between Russia and the West, but in the potential for a miscalculation that could spark a massive war at a time when no one really wants it.
This is why Greece must remain vigilant, continue supporting international law and maintain strong relationships with its Western allies, keeping an eye on Turkey’s movements as well.
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