Russia’s missile systems at peak combat readiness, but Oreshnik still a question mark — Ukrainian colonel

He discussed this on the Espreso TV.

“The technical condition of all Russian missile systems is very good. If we talk about individual launch systems, they can be ready to fire in just 30 seconds, which shows their high combat readiness. Ground-based missile systems are slightly less ready, but their technical condition is still excellent. These systems are located in the usual areas where missile divisions are deployed,” he said.

Mykola Stelmakh pointed out that the Oreshnik is not a mass-produced missile, making it hard to judge its condition.

“As for the Oreshnik, it’s not a mass-produced missile. That makes it difficult to assess its technical condition. After it was made at the Votkinsk plant and made launchable in Volgograd, it was stored in Kapustin Yar for a while. Over time, it was put together with whatever parts they could find to launch it at Dnipro. As for the Oreshnik's combat readiness, I can't say much. But the missile systems that are on active duty have a very high state of readiness. They undergo regular checks, follow procedures, and get seasonal maintenance. Trust me, they are in excellent condition,” he added.

• Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced that on November 21, Russia tested the intermediate-range ballistic missile “Oreshnik” in an attack on Ukraine’s Dnipro. He also stated that Moscow would “respond to escalation.” According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Russia launched a Kedr ballistic missile, which carried 36 submunitions, at Dnipro.
• On May 9, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv warned its citizens about a possible large-scale air attack on Ukraine in the coming days.
• On May 10, it was reported that Russia would close the airspace over the Kapustin Yar missile range on May 12 and 13.