A new missile is being considered by Russia to strike Ukraine’s “decision-making centers,” according to a statement from President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Despite the protracted war between Russia and Ukraine approaching its third year, Ukrainian government ministries have not been directly hit during the conflict, as noted by Reuters.
While Ukraine continues to counter Russian assaults, Moscow claims its newly introduced Oreshnik hypersonic missile cannot be intercepted. This missile was first used in action last week. However, Western officials remain doubtful about these claims, Reuters reported.
Putin justifies missile strikes as retaliation for Ukraine’s long-range missile deployments, raising concerns over further escalation
Putin announced that his military plans to counter Ukraine’s ongoing use of long-range Western-made missiles by testing the Oreshnik further. He stated that targets within Ukraine are being selected, which could include military installations, industrial defense facilities, or government centers in Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned these actions, accusing Putin of deliberately escalating the conflict. Zelensky argued on the platform X that Putin is trying to complicate any potential resolution efforts, particularly by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Putin has justified the large-scale Russian strikes as retaliation for Ukraine’s recent deployment of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles, which President Biden approved after months of Ukrainian requests.
Speaking about the Oreshnik, Putin emphasized its precision while clarifying it is “not a weapon of mass destruction,” according to the Kyiv Post.
This escalation coincides with Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops to the battlefield, as Ukraine continues to seek international assistance in a war that shows no signs of abating as it nears its third year.
