Russia has dubbed the missile the Oreshnik (Hazel Tree) and said it is impossible to intercept it with air defences. Ukraine has said the weapon reached a top speed of more than 13,000 kph (8,000 mph) on its way towards Dnipro on Thursday. Intermediate-range ballistic missiles have a range of up to 5,500 kilometres.

Ukraine may direct its next attack with Western missiles at the Rostov region, predicts "The Wall Street Journal," pointing out that it is precisely there where the most potential targets are located,