Putin Orders Mass Production of 'Invincible' Oreshnik Missile
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the continuation of testing and mass production of the new hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile, following its recent deployment in combat against Ukraine. During a televised meeting with military officials, Putin emphasized the missile's unique capabilities, claiming it serves as a crucial guarantee of Russia's territorial integrity. The missile was reportedly used to strike a missile components factory in Dnipro, Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Putin stated that the tests would proceed based on the evolving security threats to Russia, and he acknowledged that while no other nation currently possesses similar missile technology, it is likely that others will develop comparable systems in the near future. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions, as Putin indicated that the conflict in Ukraine has taken on a
global character,
,
. He warned that Russia is prepared to respond to any Western involvement in the conflict, particularly regarding the supply of weapons to Ukraine.
NATO and Ukraine Respond to Russian Missile Launch
In response to the missile strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to provide advanced air defense systems to protect against future threats. Zelensky's appeal follows Russia's use of the Oreshnik missile, which he criticized as a blatant disregard for calls for restraint from China, Russia's ally. The Ukrainian defense minister has reached out to partners to secure modern defense capabilities to safeguard lives amid escalating hostilities.
NATO is set to hold discussions next week in Brussels to address the implications of Russia's missile launch. The meeting, initiated by Ukraine, will involve ambassadors and aims to reinforce NATO's commitment to supporting Ukraine despite the introduction of new Russian weaponry. A NATO spokesperson reiterated that the use of the Oreshnik missile would not alter the alliance's support for Ukraine, which has been enduring conflict for over two years.
