Unlike most Russian battlefield weapons, Oreshnik’s range places all of Europe within striking distance, including US bases on the continent.
That makes it a new instrument of escalation, giving Moscow the ability to threaten strategic targets without formally resorting to nuclear weapons.
At the same time, experts said there is no way to determine whether an incoming Oreshnik missile carries a nuclear or conventional payload until impact, heightening uncertainty in any scenario of further escalation.
Analysts said the use of the Oreshnik is as much a psychological weapon as a battlefield one.
It reflects “classic sabre rattling”, Dr Nah said, referring to overtly threatening actions intended to intimidate the enemy.
By deploying it, Moscow is signalling it is willing to escalate strikes deep into Ukraine using conventional warheads that mimic nuclear-level destructive potential.
Putin may also be suggesting that the European Union should abandon Ukraine before he uses the missile on them, or for a nuclear strike on Ukraine, Dr Nah added.
He noted that with Russia facing setbacks on the battlefield and a weakening economy, the country faces no chance or “very low” chances of winning the war in Ukraine.
“Moscow is quite frankly, out of options,” Dr Nah said.