Putin Confirms Continued Testing of New Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile Amid Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that the country's latest intermediate-range ballistic missile—capable of carrying nuclear warheads—will undergo ongoing testing, including in combat scenarios, as demonstrated in a recent strike against Ukraine. This announcement came during a meeting with officials from the Defense Ministry and the military-industrial complex on November 22.
The missile, referred to as the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, was utilized in an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on November 21. Putin indicated that this military action was part of Moscow's broader response to Ukrainian attacks made using advanced weaponry supplied by the United States and the United Kingdom, including the ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles. It was reported that these Western nations had authorized Ukraine to use such systems to target Russian positions.
Initially, Ukrainian officials misidentified the missile used in the strike as an intercontinental ballistic missile, but Putin later clarified that it was in fact the new intermediate-range ballistic missile, asserting its newness and emphasizing that it is not merely an upgraded version of older Soviet-era weapons.
Putin noted that the continuation of missile tests will be contingent upon the evolving security threats faced by Russia, implying a readiness to adapt military responses in real time to the ongoing dynamics of the conflict. His remarks underline the heightened military tension in the region and signal a persistent commitment from Russia to enhance its defense capabilities amid the protracted hostilities with Ukraine.
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