Russian missile strike, Dnipro, Ukraine, November 21, 2024. Handout via REUTERS
Kremlin Statement on Hypersonic Missile Launch
On Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described Russia’s use of a newly developed hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik (“Hazel Tree”), as a response to recent actions by Western nations in support of Ukraine. According to Peskov, the strike, which targeted a Ukrainian military facility, conveyed a stern warning to the West about the consequences of what Moscow considers “reckless” decisions.
Context of the Missile Launch
The missile launch followed strikes on Russian territory by Ukrainian forces using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles and British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles earlier in the week. These strikes, approved by the United States, marked the first time such weapons were deployed against Russian targets.
President Vladimir Putin, in a statement on Thursday, announced that the Russian missile targeted a facility in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, specifically a defense and missile manufacturing site associated with Pivdenmash (Yuzhmash in Russian).
Russia’s View on Western Involvement
Moscow alleges that the use of Western-made missiles by Ukraine demonstrates direct involvement by the United States and the United Kingdom. The Kremlin claims that the targeting data and programming for these weapons require the expertise of NATO military personnel, which Ukraine lacks.
“The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities,” Peskov said, emphasizing that further retaliatory actions could follow if Moscow’s concerns continue to be ignored.
Details of the Hypersonic Missile Strike
Russia’s Defense Ministry described the strike as the first successful deployment of the intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile with conventional warheads in combat. The ministry confirmed that all warheads reached their intended targets.
President Putin stated that the missile strike serves as a response to recent Ukrainian attacks and illustrates Russia’s advanced military capabilities. Despite the missile being of intermediate range, Moscow informed the United States of the strike 30 minutes in advance, Peskov noted.
Ukrainian Reaction and International Implications
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the use of the hypersonic missile a “clear and severe escalation,” urging the international community to issue strong condemnation of the act.
Dialogue and Escalation
Peskov reiterated that President Putin remains open to dialogue, emphasizing the importance of avoiding further escalation. However, he criticized the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden for its current course of action, which he described as exacerbating tensions.
Putin had previously warned in September that Western support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory could shift the nature of the conflict, necessitating a strategic response from Moscow. Peskov expressed hope that the Biden administration understands the implications of Russia’s latest actions.
“The president stressed his readiness for dialogue aimed at de-escalation and moving toward a peaceful resolution,” Peskov concluded.
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