Moscow, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia had launched a hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile attack on a Ukrainian military facility. The strike, which Putin said tested the new "Oreshnik" missile system, was described as a response to the growing involvement of Western nations in the Ukraine conflict.
Putin accused the West of escalating the war by supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles, enabling strikes on Russian territory. "The conflict is becoming a global conflict," Putin said, warning that Moscow would not hesitate to target military installations in any country whose weapons are used against Russia.
Testing the "Oreshnik" Missile System
The strike, carried out on November 21, reportedly targeted a military-industrial facility in Ukraine. Putin said the attack marked the combat testing of Russia’s latest medium-range ballistic missile system, the "Oreshnik," equipped with non-nuclear hypersonic technology.
"In combat conditions, one of the newest Russian medium-range missile systems was tested, among other things," Putin stated. "In this case, with a ballistic missile in a nuclear-free hypersonic equipment."
The development of hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, has been a critical component of Russia’s military modernization efforts. The "Oreshnik" missile system represents a significant advancement, potentially complicating defense strategies for NATO and other adversaries.
Escalating Global Conflict
Putin's comments underscore rising tensions between Russia and NATO countries. He criticized the United States and the United Kingdom for supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons, suggesting their involvement has transformed the conflict into a broader global crisis.
Russia’s actions and rhetoric further heighten fears of direct confrontations between NATO and Russian forces. Moscow’s willingness to target military infrastructure beyond Ukraine raises the stakes for all parties involved.