Putin’s Bold Promise: Unstoppable Missile Testing Will Continue Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that the country will continue combat testing its newly developed Oreshnik hypersonic missile and has a stockpile prepared for future use. Speaking on Friday, Putin justified the missile’s deployment, stating that the decision was prompted by Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ballistic missiles and British cruise missiles in attacks on Russian territory.

The announcement came a day after Russia fired the Oreshnik missile into Ukraine for the first time, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The intermediate-range missile is considered a key addition to Russia’s arsenal, with its advanced capabilities raising concerns among Western nations.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Kyiv is actively collaborating with its Western allies to develop air defense systems capable of countering this new threat. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine remains focused on addressing the evolving risks posed by Russia’s advanced weaponry, highlighting the need for continued international support in the face of escalating aggression.

Putin referred to the initial use of the Oreshnik (Hazel Tree) missile as a successful test and announced plans for further trials. In televised remarks, he stated, “We will continue these tests, including under combat conditions, depending on the situation and the security threats posed to Russia.” He also revealed that Russia already has a stockpile of these missile systems ready for deployment.

Ukraine’s parliament abruptly canceled its session, citing the threat of a Russian missile attack on Kyiv. The move came shortly after several foreign embassies temporarily suspended their operations in the capital due to the heightened risk of a strike.

MP Mykyta Poturaiev stated that authorities had also advised limiting activities of commercial offices and NGOs within the affected areas and warned local residents about the increased danger.

However, MP Oleksiy Goncharenko criticized the decision, calling it “ridiculous” and arguing that it fueled unnecessary panic in Kyiv, ultimately serving Russian President Vladimir Putin’s objectives.

A spokesperson for President Zelenskyy informed journalists that the presidential office continued its operations as normal.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has frequently been targeted by Russian missile and drone strikes. On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin revealed that Russian forces had fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine. He stated the strike was in retaliation for Kyiv’s recent use of U.S.- and U.K.-made missiles in attacks on Russian targets.

The Kremlin stated on Friday that its recent launch of the newly developed Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile at the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro was intended as a warning to Western nations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the move was a direct response to what Russia views as the “reckless” actions of the West in supporting Ukraine.

Despite not being required to notify the United States, Russia provided a 30-minute advance warning before the missile launch, Peskov confirmed. The Oreshnik missile, also known as “hazel tree,” demonstrated significant capabilities during its test. According to Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the missile flew for 15 minutes, reaching speeds exceeding Mach 11, or 11 times the speed of sound.

Additionally, the missile was equipped with advanced payload capabilities, carrying six warheads, each containing six submunitions. This development underscores the heightened technological sophistication of Russia’s weaponry and adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict, raising concerns over the escalating intensity of the war.