An amusement park in Russia has sparked controversy by naming a thrill ride ‘Oreshnik’ – the same name as a hypersonic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

According to Reuters, an amusement park in St. Petersburg, Russia, is drawing attention by naming one of its thrill rides “Oreshnik.” This is the name of a hypersonic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads that Moscow is using in the conflict in Ukraine.

The ride is shaped like a large rocket. When in operation, visitors are repeatedly lifted high and then suddenly dropped at high speed, creating a breathless sensation for participants.

Immediately, this move by the park’s management faced mixed opinions from local public opinion.

Sharing with Reuters, a female visitor expressed confusion: “I don’t think this name is appropriate. Calling it ‘Rocket’ would be better… I don’t understand what this ride has to do with Oreshnik, who came up with that name?”

A man also agreed: “A children’s amusement park should have a name suitable for children, that’s my personal opinion.”

Oreshnik is a Russian hypersonic missile with a range of over 5,000 km. Moscow first launched this type of missile into Ukraine in 2024 and most recently in May of this year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that current air defense systems “cannot intercept” Oreshnik due to its speed, reportedly more than 10 times the speed of sound. However, Western military experts remain skeptical of this claim.

Previously, on May 4, Putin stated that the recent launches in Ukraine were not actual combat use, but only testing to observe the results.

The Russian President said the results from these tests will be the basis for Moscow to decide on the full deployment of this weapon in the future, including targeting urban areas.

On the morning of May 24, Ukraine’s capital Kiev suffered a large-scale attack with missiles and drones from Russia, shortly after the Ukrainian Air Force warned that Moscow could launch the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile.

Oreshnik

Oreshnik is a village in Bulgaria, historically part of the region known for its involvement in the country’s struggle for independence from Ottoman rule. The area is linked to the legacy of the April Uprising of 1876, with local landmarks commemorating the resistance. Today, Oreshnik is a quiet rural settlement that preserves traditional Bulgarian culture and history.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, served as the imperial capital of Russia for over two centuries. The city is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the Winter Palace and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, as well as its rich cultural heritage as a center of art, literature, and revolution. Today, it remains a major cultural hub and a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors to its historic canals and world-class museums like the Hermitage.

Kiev

Kiev (Kyiv) is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, with a history dating back over 1,400 years. Founded in the late 5th century, it became the center of the medieval state of Kyivan Rus’, a powerful East Slavic civilization, and was later influenced by Mongol invasions, Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian rule. Today, Kiev is known for its stunning Orthodox churches, such as Saint Sophia Cathedral, and its role as a key cultural and political hub in Eastern Europe.

Ukraine

Ukraine is a large Eastern European country with a rich history dating back to the medieval state of Kyivan Rus’. It has experienced periods of independence, foreign domination, and cultural revival, and is known for its fertile plains, Orthodox Christian heritage, and distinct traditions. In modern times, Ukraine has faced significant challenges, including the 2014 Revolution of Dignity and ongoing conflict, while maintaining a strong national identity.