Putin says Russia launched new ballistic missile at Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the testing of a new medium-range ballistic missile, known as “Oreshnik,” during a televised address. The missile was launched during a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, marking a significant escalation in Russia’s military operations. Putin emphasized that the strike targeted a military facility and justified the action by stating, “We consider ourselves entitled to use our weapons against the military facilities of those countries that allow their weapons to be used against our facilities.” This bold move highlights Moscow’s readiness to employ advanced weaponry under what it describes as “combat conditions.” Analysts believe the strike was also a test of Western resolve, as tensions over arms shipments to Ukraine continue to grow.

Putin’s address also included a pointed warning to nations providing Ukraine with long-range weaponry. Countries such as the UK and US were singled out for allegedly facilitating attacks on Russian soil, with Putin declaring, “Targets for further testing will be determined by us based on the security threats.” This statement comes after British-made Storm Shadow missiles were reportedly used by Ukraine to strike a military facility in Russia’s Kursk region. The Russian leader’s rhetoric underscores the Kremlin’s view that NATO’s involvement in the conflict constitutes a direct threat, potentially inviting further retaliatory measures.

International reactions to Russia’s missile testing have been swift. The United Nations described the missile tests as “worrying,” while Downing Street labeled the strikes an example of “reckless escalation.” The new missile’s range, reportedly capable of reaching targets up to 2,500 kilometers away, raises concerns about potential threats to Western nations, including the UK. Putin doubled down on his stance, warning, “In the event of further escalation of aggressive actions, we will respond equally decisively.” This development not only escalates the ongoing conflict but also signals a dangerous shift in the Kremlin’s military posture.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the missile strike in Dnipro, calling it a blatant act of aggression. “Today, our crazy neighbor once again showed what he really is, and how afraid he is,” Zelensky said in a video statement. The strike, which damaged an industrial facility and a rehabilitation center, injured two civilians. Security footage captured the moment of impact, showing multiple explosions at the site. Zelensky’s remarks reflect growing frustration with Russia’s continued use of Ukrainian territory as a “testing ground” for new weapons, a sentiment echoed by many international observers.

In a provocative statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova identified the U.S. missile defense base in Redzikowo, Poland, as a “priority target for potential destruction.” This statement came just hours after the strike on Dnipro and underscores Russia’s increasingly aggressive stance toward NATO countries. “The base has been added to the list of priority targets for potential destruction which, if necessary, can be executed with a wide range of advanced weapons,” Zakharova warned. Her comments highlight the Kremlin’s growing frustration with NATO’s support for Ukraine and its willingness to escalate threats beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Putin claimed that Russia’s missile tests were a necessary response to what he described as NATO’s “aggressive actions.” He argued that the deployment of Western-supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine left Russia with no choice but to respond decisively. “Of course, if necessary, we will choose targets for destruction. There are currently no means to counter such weapons. It is impossible,” Putin stated. This rhetoric coincided with the signing of a new doctrine allowing for potential nuclear responses to conventional attacks, reflecting a deliberate effort to bolster Russia’s deterrence strategy amid mounting international criticism.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the UK’s Labour Party, emphasized Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine despite Russia’s escalating threats. “We will not be deterred or distracted by reckless threats from Putin,” Starmer told Parliament. This sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose office condemned Russia’s missile strike as an unacceptable provocation. British officials stressed that their aid to Ukraine is consistent with international law and serves as a vital measure for self-defense against Russia’s “illegal invasion.”

Russian missile strikes extended to Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, wounding 26 people and causing significant damage to residential buildings and civilian vehicles. Local officials reported that the attack also targeted administrative buildings, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of Russia’s military actions. The strikes demonstrate an intensifying pattern of targeting Ukrainian urban centers, raising fears of further civilian casualties as the conflict escalates. Moscow’s claims of shooting down Western-supplied munitions, such as Storm Shadow missiles, have yet to be independently verified.

American officials disclosed that Russia briefly notified the U.S. before launching the missile strike on Dnipro. British Defense Secretary John Healey later confirmed that intelligence agencies had been aware for months of Russia’s preparations to test a new ballistic missile. “The UK knew Russia had been preparing for months to fire a new ballistic missile,” Healey said. Despite these warnings, the strike has prompted renewed concerns about the stability of battle lines in Ukraine, with analysts calling the current situation the most volatile since the early days of the invasion.

Experts have described Russia’s latest actions as a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions with NATO and its allies. Former UK National Security Adviser Peter Ricketts commented, “It pulls against Putin’s narrative that it’s fine for Russia to escalate, but reckless for Ukraine to respond using Western-supplied weapons.” Western officials also criticized Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its reliance on North Korean troops and Iranian drones to support its war efforts. The international community has pledged to continue supporting Ukraine despite these provocations.

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