Putin claimed the strike was conducted in response to what he described as Ukrainian attacks using American and British weapons.
In a surprise televised address Thursday evening, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has successfully tested a new medium-range ballistic missile system, dubbed “Oreshnik,” in a strike against Ukraine’s defense infrastructure.
The announcement came after Ukraine reported that Russia had launched what it believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro in eastern Ukraine, causing damage to several buildings. U.S. officials, however, assessed the weapon to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Putin claimed the strike was conducted in response to what he described as Ukrainian attacks using American and British weapons. “In response to the use of American and British weapons, on November 21 this year, the Russian armed forces launched a combined attack on one of the facilities of the Ukrainian defense industry,” Putin stated during his address.
The new missile system, with a reported range of 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers, represents a significant escalation in Russia’s military capabilities. In a stark warning, Putin suggested that the weapon could be deployed against countries that have permitted Ukraine to use their territory for strikes against Russia, asserting that U.S. air defense systems would be ineffective against it.
In what appeared to be an attempt to mitigate international concern, Putin stated that Russia would provide advance warning before any attacks on other countries to allow for civilian evacuation.
British Defense Secretary John Healey revealed that Western intelligence had been aware of Russia’s preparations for such a missile test for several months.
The Russian leader concluded his address with both conciliatory and warning tones, stating, “We have always preferred, and are now ready to resolve all disputed issues by peaceful means, but we are also ready for any developments.” He added emphatically, “If anyone doubts that, they are wrong. There will always be an answer.”
The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about potential broader regional implications and the effectiveness of current air defense systems deployed by Western allies.
