Russian lawmaker warns of "Oreshnik” missile strikes on European targets

A senior Russian lawmaker has said that decisions on launching strikes against targets in Europe could be taken “at any moment,” escalating tensions between Moscow and Western countries over military support for Ukraine.

Alexei Zhuravlev, First Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee in the State Duma, told Lenta.ru that the use of “Oreshnik” missile systems against what he described as “dangerous targets” in Europe would ultimately be decided by Vladimir Putin in his role as Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Zhuravlev’s comments follow recent remarks by Russia's Deputy Chair of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who responded to a publication by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation identifying locations in Europe where drones for Ukraine are allegedly produced. 

Writing on the social platform X, Medvedev issued a pointed message to “European partners,” wishing them a “good night’s sleep.”

"Russian Defense Ministry’s statement must be taken literally: the list of European facilities which make drones & other equipment is a list of potential targets for the Russian armed forces. When strikes become a reality depends on what comes next. Sleep well, European partners!" he wrote. 

According to Zhuravlev, Russia has detailed knowledge of where weapons for Ukraine are being manufactured across Europe, including production volumes. He claimed that Russian forces possess precise coordinates of facilities considered a threat and could target them with “Oreshnik” missiles if ordered.

“We are giving Europeans a chance to reconsider,” Zhuravlev said, warning that hosting such production could draw European countries into direct military confrontation with a nuclear power.

Earlier, Russia’s Defence Ministry published a list of 21 addresses across Europe that it says are linked to the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and related components used in attacks on Russian territory.

By Sabina Mammadli