Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a welcoming ceremony at the Akorda presidential residence in Astana, Kazakhstan November 27, 2024. Sputnik/Mikhail Tereschenko/Pool via REUTERS
Putin Threatens Kyiv Decision-Making Centres with Oreshnik Hypersonic Missiles
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia might target “decision-making centres” in Kyiv with its newly developed Oreshnik hypersonic missile. The warning follows Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian territory.
During the 33-month conflict, Russia has avoided striking key Ukrainian government facilities such as ministries, parliament, and the president’s office. However, Putin suggested a shift in strategy, saying Russia’s Ministry of Defence and General Staff are currently identifying potential targets, including military and industrial sites in Ukraine.
Oreshnik Missile: Claims and Counterclaims
Russia fired the Oreshnik missile for the first time on November 21, targeting a Ukrainian city. Putin claimed the missile is impervious to interception by air defenses, though Western experts are skeptical of its capabilities.
In remarks to a summit of ex-Soviet nations in Kazakhstan, Putin highlighted the missile’s effectiveness:
“At present, the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are selecting targets… possibly continuing to test the Oreshnik in combat conditions.”
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Putin’s emphasis on the Oreshnik is a ploy to disrupt peace efforts, particularly those by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Ukraine’s Perspective: Escalation and Resilience
Zelensky accused Putin of deliberately escalating the conflict to derail any attempts to end the war.
“He doesn’t seek an end to this war… Putin wants to escalate the situation so much that President Trump’s efforts to end the war will fail,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
Ukraine also condemned recent Russian missile attacks, which disrupted power for over a million civilians. Zelensky labeled the use of cruise missiles with cluster munitions a “despicable escalation.”
The Role of Western-Supplied Missiles
The missile exchanges were triggered by Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike Russian regions such as Kursk. These were reportedly the first attacks approved to target deep into Russian territory.
Putin denounced this development as proof of the West’s “direct involvement” in the conflict and promised further missile production. He claimed Russia’s advanced missile systems outpace NATO’s by a factor of 10 and that the Oreshnik has a destructive capacity comparable to nuclear weapons, though it does not carry radioactive payloads.
Western Analysis of the Oreshnik
Western security experts suggest the Oreshnik could be equipped with nuclear warheads, heightening concerns. Although the missile reportedly reached speeds of 13,600 kph (8,450 mph) during its debut, it carried only dummy warheads.
U.S. intelligence sources downplayed the likelihood of a nuclear escalation despite recent events. Five officials told Reuters that the approval for Ukraine to use Western missiles against Russia has not significantly increased the risk of a nuclear confrontation.
COMMENTS