Ukraine Calls for Urgent Sanctions on Russian Defense Companies over Oreshnik Missile Production

President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the international community to impose urgent sanctions on 21 Russian defense companies involved in the production of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile. The Ukraine president highlighted the need to stall mass-production of the missile, which was launched by Russia in an attack against Dnipro in November. The Oreshnik is believed to be an upgraded version of the RS-26 missile, which was first produced in 2011. According to Zelensky, 39 Russian defense companies are involved in the production of the Oreshnik, with 21 not currently under sanctions.

Key Takeaways:

• President Zelensky has called for urgent sanctions on 21 Russian defense companies involved in the production of the Oreshnik missile.
• The Oreshnik is believed to be an upgraded version of the RS-26 missile, which was first produced in 2011.
• 39 Russian defense companies are involved in the production of the Oreshnik, with 21 not currently under sanctions.
• The missile was launched by Russia in an attack against Dnipro in November, and is believed to be an attempt to intimidate Kyiv and its Western allies.
• The US and UK have provided military aid to Ukraine, which Russia has claimed is being used to attack Russian territory.
• Two key Russian weapons engineering institutes, the Moscow Institute for Thermal Technology (MITT) and Sozvezdie, have been identified as developers of the Oreshnik.
• Despite sanctions, Russian defense companies have continued to access advanced manufacturing equipment from Western companies, including Germany and Japan.
• At least $3 million worth of Heidenhain components were shipped into Russia in 2024, despite efforts to slow the flow of such equipment.

Statistics:

• 21 Russian defense companies are involved in the production of the Oreshnik missile and not currently under sanctions (according to President Zelensky).
• 39 Russian defense companies are involved in the production of the Oreshnik missile (according to President Zelensky).
• The RS-26 missile was first produced in 2011.
• $3 million worth of Heidenhain components were shipped into Russia in 2024, despite efforts to slow the flow of such equipment (according to the FT).

Sources:

• (June 20) - Press briefing with Kyiv Independent
• (Dec. 27) - The Financial Times - "Russia upgrades Oreshnik missile using advanced manufacturing equipment from Western companies"
• The Kyiv Independent - anonymous US official