January 17, 2026
Drones struck Russia’s Kapustin Yar military range, a key testing site for the Oreshnik ballistic missile, Russian Telegram channel Radar VRV reported on Jan. 17.
The strike hit the 4th State Central Interspecific Test Range in Astrakhan Oblast, where Russia conducts frequent test launches of its Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile.
Russian state media said air defense systems were activated during the attack.
In addition to the Oreshnik, the range is used to test a range of weaponry, including short- and medium-range missiles, cruise missiles, air defense systems, and S-400 launchers.
The site was previously targeted by Ukrainian drones in July 2024. That strike reportedly damaged buildings on the base.
Russia launched its second known Oreshnik missile against Ukraine on Jan. 8, striking Lviv Oblast. The attack damaged critical infrastructure and temporarily disrupted gas supply due to the shockwave.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded on Jan. 9, warning of the broader threat posed by the new missile.
“This is a shared challenge for Warsaw, for Bucharest, and for Budapest,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Jan. 12 to address Russia’s use of Oreshnik missiles and other attacks targeting Ukrainian territory.