Why did Russia strike the Dnipro with "Oreshnik" instead of Kyiv? An expert explains what the Russians feared.

The Russian occupation forces launched a medium-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik" at Dnipro because they were concerned that their development could be intercepted by air defense systems concentrated around Kyiv. This was stated by Pavel Lakiychuk, head of security programs at the Globalist Center "Strategy XXI", during a broadcast on "Kyiv24".

"I am almost convinced that the strike was not aimed at Kyiv precisely because we have more SAMP/T and Patriot systems concentrated around Kyiv," Lakiychuk said.

According to him, intercepting such missiles is very challenging, but it is possible.

"Ukrainians can intercept 'Iskanders' with 'Patriot' systems, ballistic missiles 'Iskander', which Putin claimed were 'unstoppable wonder weapons'. Putin also spoke about the elusive missile 'Kinzhal', stating that no one can intercept the air-launched ballistic missile 'Kinzhal'. It turned out that the Ukrainians can intercept it," the expert noted.

He also emphasized that Ukraine has shown the world how much Putin has fabricated and lied about these types of weapons.

"If Ukrainians manage to intercept an intercontinental ballistic missile, it will not just be a failure, but a collapse. Because everyone will know that even the Russians' intercontinental ballistic missile can be intercepted," Lakiychuk stressed.

Recall that on November 21, aviation expert Valery Romanenko explained what the consequences would be if the "Oreshnik" were equipped with a nuclear warhead.