Russia plans to fire more hypersonic missiles at Ukraine, Putin says

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has announced plans for increased deployment of the new hypersonic missile system targeting Ukraine. Speaking during a televised meeting with military chiefs, he described the decision as part of a broader strategy to bolster national defense. “We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posted to Russia,” he declared, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The hypersonic Oreshnik missile, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10, represents a significant leap in military technology. Putin praised the weapon, stating, “The decision to begin serial production has, in effect, been taken.” These missiles, equipped with conventional warheads, can cause destruction comparable to nuclear weapons when deployed in large numbers.

Russia carried out its first deployment of the missile during an attack on Dnipro. The strike, described as a “direct response” to Ukrainian forces’ use of Western-supplied weapons on Russian territory, underscores the Kremlin’s readiness to retaliate against perceived threats. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, reinforced this stance, accusing the West of “reckless decisions” in arming Ukraine.

Putin’s statement underscored the technological edge Russia claims to have in hypersonic weaponry. While acknowledging that other nations may develop similar systems within a few years, he emphasized, “We have this system now. That’s important.” This advancement, according to Putin, guarantees Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The decision to produce the missile on a mass scale coincides with NATO’s heightened involvement. NATO and Ukraine are set to hold emergency talks following the strike, reflecting concerns about the weapon’s implications for the nearly three-year-long conflict. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation as taking on “very dramatic dimensions” in its decisive phase.

Ukraine has responded to the intensified threat by seeking updated air defense systems from Western allies. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, “Ukraine’s defense minister is already holding meetings with our partners on new air defense systems.” The request highlights the urgency of countering Russia’s technological advancements in weaponry.

General Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, echoed Putin’s claims about the Oreshnik missile’s devastating potential. He emphasized that its conventional strikes are “comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” This chilling assertion has alarmed international observers, who see the deployment as a step closer to full-scale escalation.

In parallel, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán voiced concerns over U.S. involvement, citing the advanced technology required for guiding weapons supplied to Ukraine. He warned against underestimating Russia’s retaliatory capability, stating, “It’s not a trick—there will be consequences.”

Amidst these developments, Ukraine’s parliament has ramped up security measures, canceling sessions following the Dnipro attack. The strike has sparked fears of an escalation in the conflict, with both sides preparing for potentially decisive phases in the war.

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