Putin Vows More Use of Advanced Missile After Strike on Dnipro
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his country has a stockpile of advanced missiles ready for deployment, following a recent strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Speaking in an unplanned televised address, Putin highlighted the capabilities of the new Oreshnik hypersonic missile, claiming it to be “unstoppable” and promising further tests under “combat conditions.”
The missile launch on Thursday marked a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has already seen Ukraine deploy Western-supplied weaponry, including U.S. and British missiles, on Russian soil for the first time. The Ukrainian government described the Dnipro attack as unusually devastating, with explosions rocking the city for hours. Some officials likened the strike to an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) assault.
A Strategic Shift in Warfare
Putin revealed that the Oreshnik missile, capable of flying at speeds 10 times faster than sound, would soon enter mass production. He justified the missile’s use as a counter to Ukraine’s deployment of long-range Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles provided by Western allies.
Military analysts, such as Justin Crump of Sibylline, believe the Dnipro strike served as a warning from Moscow, demonstrating the Oreshnik’s ability to challenge Ukraine’s air defenses effectively. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, urging global leaders to respond decisively and ensure Putin faces “real consequences.”
Ukraine Appeals for Advanced Defenses
Zelensky’s administration is seeking advanced air defense systems, such as the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), or upgrades to existing Patriot missile systems, according to Interfax-Ukraine. This request comes amid heightened fears of further strikes and escalating tensions.
Zelensky also took a firm stance on domestic issues, chastising Ukraine’s parliament for postponing a session due to security concerns. In a Telegram post, he insisted that all officials continue working unless air raid sirens sound, stating, “There is no other way in war.”
Global Reactions and Growing Concerns
World leaders have expressed alarm at the escalation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned the conflict is entering a critical phase with a heightened risk of global war. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged Western nations to take Putin’s threats seriously, emphasizing Russia’s reliance on military power. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un accused the U.S. of stoking tensions and warned of an unprecedented nuclear threat.
North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of troops to support Russian forces. Ukrainian soldiers have engaged these troops in battles in Russia’s Kursk region, where Kyiv has seized limited territory.
US and China Respond
President Joe Biden recently authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles for long-range strikes within Russia, citing Moscow’s reliance on North Korean forces as justification. On the other hand, China’s call for restraint has drawn criticism from Zelensky, who accused Beijing of turning a blind eye to Russia’s provocative actions.
Looking Ahead
As both sides race to secure strategic advantages, the looming inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president in January adds another layer of uncertainty. Trump has pledged to end the war swiftly but has yet to outline specific plans.
The situation underscores the fragility of global stability, with leaders worldwide bracing for the potential fallout of this intensifying conflict.
