International
Putin Threatens Kyiv With New Ballistic Missile As Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy Grid
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of potential attacks on decision-making centres in Kyiv using Russia’s newly unveiled ballistic missile, the “Oreshnik.”
This threat follows a massive overnight assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which Putin described as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed a “tough response” to any Russian attempts at intimidation.
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Russia’s attack, the second large-scale strike this month, involved a barrage of 90 missiles and 100 drones targeting cities across Ukraine, including Odesa, Kharkiv, and Lutsk. Kyiv also came under attack, though Ukrainian authorities reported successfully intercepting all missiles aimed at the capital.
Zelensky accused Russia of deploying cluster munitions against civilian and energy infrastructure, calling them “a particularly dangerous weapon” that hampers rescue and repair operations. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed emergency power cuts affecting millions, with some regions, such as Lviv and Rivne, left without electricity for hundreds of thousands of residents.
Putin highlighted the use of the Oreshnik missile during the assault, claiming it is “intercept-proof.” U.S. officials believe Russia has limited stocks of the experimental missile, which may delay its widespread deployment.
In his nightly address, Zelensky accused Putin of escalating the conflict to pressure the West, particularly the U.S., into accepting Russia’s terms for ending the war. He reiterated concerns over Ukraine’s security vulnerabilities since giving up its nuclear arsenal under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.
Putin also reiterated Russia’s position on nuclear weapons, threatening to use “all means of destruction” if Ukraine were to acquire them. This follows reports suggesting some Western officials had contemplated arming Ukraine with nuclear capabilities.
The strikes come as temperatures drop, with Ukraine already experiencing early snowfalls. Officials fear Russia may intensify efforts to cripple the energy grid as winter progresses, aiming to deplete resources and pressure Ukraine further.
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Pre-emptive power cuts have been introduced to prevent overloads, but the attacks have left many without power for days in some regions. Ukrainian authorities continue to brace for coordinated strikes on critical infrastructure as they navigate the harsh winter months ahead.
Putin’s threats and the intensifying strikes underscore the ongoing volatility of the conflict, with both sides digging in as winter looms.
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