Putin says Russia will employ new missile again in ‘combat conditions’

Putin says Russia will employ new missile again in 'combat conditions'

President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia possesses a stockpile of advanced missiles “ready to be used” following the recent launch of a new ballistic missile targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

In a surprise television address, the Russian leader announced that the Oreshnik missile is designed to evade interception and pledged to conduct additional tests, including those under “combat conditions.”

In a significant development, Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik marked the culmination of a week characterized by heightened tensions in the ongoing conflict. This period also witnessed Ukraine launching US and British missiles into Russian territory for the first time.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged global leaders to deliver a “serious response” to ensure that Putin “feels the real consequences of his actions.”

He stated that his country sought updated air defense systems from Western partners.

Kyiv is reportedly pursuing acquiring the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system or looking to enhance its existing Patriot anti-ballistic missile defense systems, as stated by news agency Interfax-Ukraine.

During his address on Friday, Putin announced that the Oreshnik hypersonic missiles can fly at ten times the speed of sound and has instructed that they be put into production. He previously stated that the deployment of the missile was a reaction to Ukraine’s utilization of Storm Shadow and Atacms missiles.

Eyewitnesses characterized Thursday’s strike on Dnipro as atypical, with explosions reverberating for three hours.

The assault featured a missile strike of such magnitude that Ukrainian officials later remarked it bore similarities to an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Justin Crump, the CEO and founder of the risk advisory firm Sibylline, spoke with the BBC regarding the recent missile strike, suggesting that Moscow may have employed it as a warning. He highlighted that the missile in question is faster and more advanced than others in Russia’s arsenal, possessing the capability to undermine Ukraine’s air defenses significantly.

This week’s escalation has elicited a series of warnings from global leaders regarding the trajectory of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has indicated that the war is reaching a critical juncture, highlighting a significant risk of escalating into a global conflict.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has asserted that the West should regard Vladimir Putin’s warnings “at face value,” emphasizing that Russia’s policies are fundamentally rooted in military power.

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has issued a stark warning, stating that the threat of nuclear war has reached unprecedented levels. He further accused the United States of pursuing an “aggressive and hostile” policy against Pyongyang.

Reports indicate that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to support Russia, leading to reported clashes with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukrainian troops are currently holding some territory.

President Biden has announced that he has authorized Ukraine to deploy longer-range atomic missiles to strike targets within Russia, a decision made in light of Moscow’s engagement with North Korean troops.

In February 2022, Russia initiated a comprehensive military invasion of Ukraine. As the clock ticks down to Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, both nations seek to gain a strategic edge on the battlefield.

Trump has pledged to conclude the conflict within hours, yet he has not disclosed the specifics of his plan.

During his evening address, Zelensky criticized China regarding its reaction to Moscow’s latest missile developments, following a statement from China’s foreign ministry urging all parties to “remain calm and exercise restraint.”

“This statement from Russia highlights a perceived mockery of the stance taken by nations like China and other countries in the Global South, as well as certain leaders who consistently advocate for restraint,” he remarked.

The Ukrainian parliament faced criticism for its decision to postpone a session on Friday, citing security concerns in the wake of the attack on Dnipro.

In a recent Telegram post, he emphasized that unless an air raid signal is activated, everyone should continue their work as usual, urging individuals not to interpret Russian threats as an excuse for a day off.

The siren blares, prompting an immediate rush to the nearest shelter. Without a siren, our focus remains on diligent work and dedicated service. “There is no alternative in warfare,” he stated.

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