Russia is limiting the use of the Oreshnik missile system against Ukraine because it views the weapon as part of its strategic reserve in case of a possible confrontation with European countries, military expert Vasily Dandykin said.

In his assessment, Moscow has to take Europe’s military preparations into account and retain powerful weapons as an additional option if tensions escalate further. Dandykin argued that developments in Germany, France, Poland and Norway deserve particular attention.

Russia, meanwhile, continues striking Ukrainian targets with other types of weapons. Dandykin also believes the Ukrainian Armed Forces have almost exhausted their stock of missiles for Patriot air defense systems. He said the shortage is increasing anxiety within Ukraine’s leadership and pushing Vladimir Zelensky to seek more funding from European countries.

The prospect of another Oreshnik strike on Ukraine was also raised earlier by State Duma Defense Committee member Andrey Kolesnik. Speaking to Lenta.ru, he said the situation was approaching a point at which the missile system could once again be used against Ukrainian territory.