Russia’s use of the experimental Oreshnik system against Ukraine is less about military effect and more about intimidation. The weapon depends on sanctioned components and was used under a fabricated pretext. Europe faces a clear choice: stronger sanctions or continued escalation.

Reddit blurs the photo so much, so here’s a text copy of the image:

1. After being launched into space the missile separates before falling back into the Earth’s atmosphere.
2. In flight, other parts of the missile fall away to release the ‘bus’ which contains six warheads.
3. The bus orients itself to face the correct direction to aim the warheads. After releasing the warheads, the missile’s bus falls to the ground.
4. The system is known as a ‘multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle’ because each warhead can be sent to a different target.