"Oreshnik" strike on Lviv: SSU shows missile debris (photos)

Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) has identified debris from a Russian medium-range ballistic missile, known as "Oreshnik", following a strike on Lviv region late on January 8, the SSU press service said.

“According to preliminary information, the recovered components belong to the "Oreshnik" missile system. SSU investigators classify the use of this weapon against civilian infrastructure as a war crime,” the statement said.

Among the parts found so far are:

- a stabilisation and guidance unit — effectively the missile’s “brain”;

- components of the propulsion system;

- fragments of the orientation mechanism;

- nozzles from the warhead separation platform.

Preliminary data indicate that Russian forces launched the medium-range surface-to-surface missile from the Kapustin Yar test site.

The debris has been classified as physical evidence and is being prepared for further forensic examination. Investigators are working to establish all circumstances of the attack, as well as those responsible for organising and carrying it out.

“By striking civilian targets near the European Union border, the Kremlin sought to destroy critical infrastructure in the region amid a sharp deterioration in weather conditions,” the SSU said.

"Oreshnik" missile debris