IRBMS & ICBMS STRATEGIC POWER ACROSS CONTINENTS

Oreshnik IRBM targets Ukraine; ICBMs like Minuteman III and Sarmat intensify global nuclear deterrence, signaling heightened geopolitical tensions and arms race.

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Historical context and treaty implications

The development and deployment of the Oreshnik occur against the backdrop of the dissolution of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Signed in 1987, the INF Treaty eliminated all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. However, both the United States and Russia withdrew from the treaty in 2019, each accusing the other of violations. This withdrawal removed previous constraints on the development of intermediate-range missile systems, potentially paving the way for the introduction of weapons like the Oreshnik.

Strategic implications