Putin Threatens Ukraine with New Hypersonic Missile

Putin Threatens Ukraine with New Hypersonic Missile

By Fly Cable News

On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin warned of potential strikes on Ukraine’s “decision-making centres” in Kyiv using Russia’s new hypersonic missile, hours after Moscow’s attack on Ukraine’s energy grid left over one million people without power.

The Russian assault, which involved more than 90 missiles and nearly 100 drones, targeted various parts of Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemning the attacks as Russian “blackmail” and urging his allies to respond decisively.

Putin claimed the bombardment was a retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil using Western-supplied missiles.

At a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin referred to the new Oreshnik missile, stating that it could be used against military, industrial, or government centres, including in Kyiv. He boasted that multiple Oreshnik missiles launched at once would have a destructive force similar to a nuclear strike or a meteorite impact.

Russia had previously tested the Oreshnik missile on Ukraine, with Putin highlighting its capabilities. He claimed the missile could travel at speeds of up to three kilometers per second and produce intense heat, comparable to that of the sun’s surface.

The missile threat comes amid a difficult winter for Ukraine, as its energy infrastructure has been severely damaged by ongoing conflict. Zelensky condemned Russia’s use of cluster munitions, calling it a “despicable escalation.”

The overnight strikes knocked out electricity in western Ukraine, affecting over a million people, and marking the 11th major attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year.

US President Joe Biden expressed outrage over the attacks, emphasizing the urgency of supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

Putin also hinted at optimism for the incoming US administration of Donald Trump, describing the Republican as an “intelligent person” who could potentially find a solution to the ongoing conflict.

In response to Putin’s threat, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called it a “testament to weakness,” asserting that the West would not be intimidated by such rhetoric.