Putin threatens to unleash devastating new missile on Kyiv, comparing its power to that of a meteorite.
At a Glance
- Putin warns of using Oreshnik missiles against Kyiv’s “decision-making centers”
- The threat is a response to Western-backed long-range missile strikes on Russia
- Ukrainian officials dismiss Putin’s claims about the missile’s invincibility
- Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread outages
- Analysts speculate Putin may be posturing before potential Trump presidency
Putin’s Missile Threat Escalates Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a chilling threat to deploy advanced missile technology against key strategic centers in Kyiv. The aggressive stance comes as a direct response to what Putin claims are Western-backed military actions against Russia. The Russian leader’s warning marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict narrative, showcasing an increasingly combative defense posture from Moscow.
Putin specifically mentioned the potential use of the Oreshnik missile, a weapon he claims cannot be intercepted by current air defense systems. In a stark statement, Putin declared, “We do not rule out the use of Oreshnik against the military, military-industrial facilities or decision-making centres, including in Kyiv.”
⚡️Putin threatens to target 'decision-making centers' in Kyiv with Oreshnik missile.https://t.co/1cLyrYeudS
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) November 28, 2024
Western Support and Ukrainian Response
The Russian president’s threats come in direct response to the United States, United Kingdom, and France allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian targets. This Western support has clearly irked Moscow, leading to this dangerous escalation in rhetoric. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly condemned Putin’s statements, characterizing them as a significant and worrying escalation in the conflict.
Responding to the Russian President’s claims, Ukrainian Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said, “Putin doesn’t understand military stuff. He’s a guy that people come and show him some cartoon about how the missile will fly, how nobody will be able to shoot it down. He said the same thing many times about their Kinzhal missile. And then when it turned out that Patriot [air defence systems], even the not-the-latest-generation systems, can comfortably shoot it down, he stopped talking about it.”
Impact on Ukraine and Global Diplomacy
The immediate impact of Putin’s threats was felt in Kyiv, where a parliamentary session was cancelled due to security concerns. The ongoing conflict continues to take a heavy toll on Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure, with Russia targeting the country’s energy grid and causing widespread power outages.
“As I have already said many times, there will always be a response from our side,” Putin stated.
President Joe Biden has restated the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, while there is growing pressure for Ukraine to negotiate. However, there are no signs that Russia is willing to discuss terms that would not be humiliating for Ukraine. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation looming large over Eastern Europe and beyond.
