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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday issued a warning, suggesting Russia could target “decision-making centres” in Kyiv, including government ministries and the president’s office, using its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile.
This comes as a response to Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied missiles to strike Russian territory, escalating tensions in the 33-month conflict.
Speaking at a summit of former Soviet states in Kazakhstan, Putin addressed the recent deployment of the Oreshnik, which Russia claims to have tested in combat for the first time last week in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The missile, touted by Putin as incapable of interception, has been met with skepticism by Western experts.
“Of course, we will respond to the ongoing strikes on Russian territory… possibly continuing to test the Oreshnik in combat conditions,” Putin said, adding that Russia’s defense forces are currently identifying potential targets in Ukraine.
Intensified strikes and escalating exchanges
The remarks follow a massive overnight Russian assault on Ukraine, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned as a “despicable escalation.” According to Zelenskyy, the attack involved cruise missiles armed with cluster munitions and left over a million Ukrainians without power. Russia framed the assault as retaliation for Ukraine’s use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles, which Kyiv reportedly deployed against Russian targets, including in the Kursk region, over the past week.
On November 19, Ukraine launched its first ATACMS attack on Russian soil, prompting Moscow to retaliate with the Oreshnik two days later. Kyiv has also utilized British Storm Shadow cruise missiles following Western approval for strikes deeper into Russian territory. Putin emphasized that these actions reflect the West’s “direct involvement” in the conflict.
New hypersonic weapon Oreshnik
The Oreshnik missile, described by Putin as a weapon of unparalleled destructive power, reportedly reached speeds of 13,600 kph (8,450 mph) during its November 21 deployment. Ukrainian officials noted that the missile carried dummy warheads during the test, but Western security experts caution that it could be equipped with nuclear payloads.
Zelenskyy has urged the international community to condemn Russia’s use of the Oreshnik, labeling it a severe escalation in the war. The heightened exchanges have also reignited nuclear fears, particularly after Putin recently expanded Russia’s nuclear doctrine to include additional scenarios warranting nuclear weapon deployment.