International

Russia Will Use New Missile Again In ‘Combat Conditions’ – Putin

Published

7 hours ago

Nov 23, 2024.

Dennis

Russia possesses a stockpile of advanced missiles “ready for use,” President Vladimir Putin announced in an unscheduled television address, a day after a ballistic missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Putin highlighted the capabilities of the Oreshnik missile, claiming it is “impossible to intercept” and promising further tests, including in “combat conditions.”

The Oreshnik’s deployment marked a significant escalation in the conflict, coinciding with Ukraine’s first use of U.S. and British missiles, including Storm Shadow and ATACMS, against targets inside Russia. Putin stated that the missile’s deployment was a direct response to Ukraine’s intensified use of Western-supplied weaponry.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a “serious response” from world leaders to ensure Putin faces tangible consequences for his actions. Ukraine is actively seeking upgraded air defence systems, including the U.S.-developed THAAD or improvements to its existing Patriot systems, to counter Russia’s hypersonic missile threat.

Eyewitnesses described Thursday’s missile strike on Dnipro as unusually intense, with explosions lasting three hours. Ukrainian officials likened the damage caused by the Oreshnik missile to that of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Analysts, such as Justin Crump of Sibylline, suggested the strike served as a warning, emphasizing the missile’s advanced capabilities and its potential to outmatch Ukraine’s current defences.

The war’s intensification has drawn concerns from leaders worldwide. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the conflict is reaching a “decisive stage” with an increased risk of global escalation. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged the West to take Putin’s warnings “at face value,” emphasizing Russia’s reliance on military strength.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un echoed these concerns, claiming the threat of nuclear war is unprecedented and accusing the U.S. of “hostile policies.” North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of troops to support Russia, with Ukrainian forces reporting clashes with North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region.

U.S. President Joe Biden has permitted Ukraine to use longer-range ATACMS missiles against Russian targets in response to Moscow’s use of North Korean troops, further raising the stakes in the ongoing war.

Both Russia and Ukraine are racing to secure battlefield advantages before Donald Trump assumes the U.S. presidency in January. Trump has vowed to end the war “within hours” but has yet to outline his plan.