Russia Tests New Ballistic Missile Amid Escalating Tensions with Ukraine and the West
In a significant escalation of ongoing military tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test of an experimental ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, aimed at a military target in Dnipro, Ukraine. This development comes as part of a broader response to recent Western military assistance to Ukraine, which has included advanced missile systems from the US and UK.
During a surprising televised address, Putin asserted Russia's right to retaliate against Western nations that have facilitated Ukraine's military capabilities. He issued a direct warning to both the United States and the United Kingdom, stating, 'Russia reserves the right to use weapons against targets in countries that permit their weapons to be used against Russian targets.' This marks one of his most explicit threats to launch an attack on countries supporting Ukraine since the outset of hostilities in February 2022.
US and UK military sources believe the missile fired on Dnipro was an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), potentially capable of carrying a nuclear payload. The missile's range, reported to be below 3,420 miles (5,500 km), could effectively strike targets in Europe but not reach the continental United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posited that the missile presented attributes typical of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) regarding its speed and flight altitude. He criticized Russia’s posture, suggesting that it illustrates Moscow’s fear of a democratic neighbor.
In a recent social media statement, Zelenskyy argued, "The missile strike is final proof that Russia definitely does not want peace." The missile, launched from Astrakhan in southwestern Russia, traveled approximately 500 miles to strike its target, amidst a coordinated series of nine missile launches between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time. While six of the missiles were successfully intercepted by Ukrainian defenses, the newly developed Oreshnik managed to evade interception, resulting in confirmed hits but minimal reported casualties.
Experts, such as Fabian Hoffmann from Oslo University, underlined that the usage of the Oreshnik missile represents a critical stride in Russia's missile capabilities, particularly due to its nuclear association. This incident reflects an intensification of military activities as both Russia and Ukraine maneuver for advantageous positions before the anticipated inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. His administration has expressed intentions to forge an end to the ongoing conflict, although the specifics remain unclear.
The US had been alerted prior to the missile launch through official channels as part of a treaty that mandates notification of ballistic missile firings, aimed at curbing escalation towards nuclear conflict. However, Russia reportedly informed the US only thirty minutes prior to the launch via the Nuclear Threat Reduction Center, a timing criticized as insufficient for an effective response.
On the eve of the missile strike, the US temporarily closed its embassy in Kyiv for safety concerns due to warnings of significant air attacks, underscoring the volatile situation on the ground.
In an alarming twist, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was caught on a hot mic during a briefing, suggesting an attempt to downplay the missile strike details. Her comments indicated a lack of coordination and response from the Russian government amidst the high-stakes geopolitical climate.
With each side ramping up military efforts and strategic strikes into opposing territories, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, potentially setting the stage for further confrontation as the international community watches closely.
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