Key Takeaways:
– Russia launched a new ballistic missile at Ukraine, calling it a warning to the West.
– The missile, named Oreshnik, can travel ten times the speed of sound.
– President Putin claims the missile can carry nuclear warheads and strike targets in Ukraine and its allies.
– Ukraine used U.S. and British missiles to attack Russian territory earlier this week.
– The U.S. and U.K. expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict.
Russia Fires Advanced Missile at Ukraine
Russia launched a new type of ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday, according to President Vladimir Putin. The missile, named **Oreshnik**, was fired as a warning to Western countries supporting Ukraine. Putin described the missile as extremely fast, capable of traveling ten times the speed of sound. He also claimed it could carry nuclear warheads, making it a significant threat.
The attack targeted a missile factory in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Putin stated that Russia would issue advance warnings for future strikes with this missile to allow civilians to evacuate. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov initially denied giving the U.S. a warning before the launch, later admitting that a 30-minute notice was provided.
Why Did Russia Launch the Missile?
Putin said the missile launch was a direct response to Ukraine’s use of U.S. and British missiles earlier this week. These missiles struck targets inside Russia, including an ammunition depot in the Bryansk region and security personnel in the Kursk region. Russia viewed these attacks as a provocation and decided to retaliate with its new weapon.
“We will respond decisively and in kind to any aggressive actions,” Putin warned. He also threatened to target any country that allows its territory to be used for attacks on Russia.
What Makes the Oreshnik Missile Special?
The Oreshnik missile is described as a new, experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile. It is based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Pentagon officials confirmed that the missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
Experts say the missile’s speed and range make it difficult to intercept. However, Ukraine has previously claimed to have stopped some of Russia’s advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles.
The U.S. was notified of the missile launch through nuclear risk reduction channels. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh called the missile a “lethal capability” and expressed concern over its deployment.
Ukraine and the West React
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the missile launch an “obvious escalation” of the war. He criticized the lack of a strong global response, warning that Russia is testing the West’s resolve.
“This is a cynical violation of international law,” Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post. “Putin is testing you, dear partners. If there’s no tough response, Russia will see it as a green light for more aggression.”
Western leaders are worried about the growing tensions. Analysts say the use of advanced missiles by both sides raises the risk of the conflict spiraling out of control.
The Escalation of the Conflict
The missile launch comes during a week of heightened tensions. The U.S. recently allowed Ukraine to use longer-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia. This decision angered Moscow, which warned of severe consequences.
Putin also lowered Russia’s threshold for using nuclear weapons. He signed a new doctrine allowing a nuclear response even to conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers. Western countries accused Russia of using nuclear rhetoric to intimidate its enemies.
What’s Next?
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides using advanced weapons. The use of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads has raised concerns globally.
Analysts say the situation is dangerous and unpredictable. “This is a signaling war,” said Matthew Savill, a military expert. “Russia is telling the West that it’s willing to use advanced missiles, and the West must decide how to respond.”
The U.S. and its allies are weighing their options. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Russia is responsible for the escalation. “They’re the ones who are escalating this,” she said.
For now, the world watches as the conflict enters a more dangerous phase. One thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever before.