A combined launch of Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles and Oreshnik medium-range missiles could, in theory, disable NATO’s entire military infrastructure across Europe. That assessment was given by Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institute of Law and National Security of RANEPA.

According to Stepanov, the Sarmat system’s maximum range along a suborbital trajectory may exceed 35,000 kilometers. In practical terms, he said, this leaves almost no area on the planet outside the missile system’s potential reach.

He described Oreshnik as a second-tier deterrence weapon, noting that it is capable of striking targets across continental Europe.

In Stepanov’s assessment, the combined strike capabilities of Sarmat and Oreshnik would be sufficient to effectively neutralize NATO’s military infrastructure in the European theater of operations.

The expert stressed, however, that the use of such missile systems would be possible only under critical conditions, including a direct threat to Russia’s sovereignty.

He linked such scenarios to militarization near Russia’s borders, particularly initiatives by European supporters of escalating the conflict with Moscow.

Earlier, Strategic Missile Forces commander Sergey Karakayev reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the successful launch of Sarmat. The Russian Armed Forces plan to place the first regiment fully equipped with these intercontinental ballistic missiles on combat duty before the end of 2026.