Oreshnik MIRV Exposed: Inert Payloads Reveal 36-Submunition Design in Ukraine Strike

Ukrainian investigators examining wreckage from Russia's RS‑26 Oreshnik missile used near Bila Tserkva on May 23–24 found inert warhead simulators instead of explosives, confirming a nuclear‑capable MIRV design with six main warhead elements that split into 36 submunitions. Debris included wiring and components from Russia and Belarus, suggesting Moscow is gathering performance data without mass casualties. The strike, the third known use of the system, hit an industrial area with no reported casualties; authorities say two missiles may have been launched, and monitoring continues as Kyiv-area targets remain within range.