Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled the “Oreshnik,” an intermediate-range hypersonic missile, which was successfully tested in an attack on Ukraine’s Dnipro. This missile, designed with a non-nuclear warhead, was a direct response to Ukraine’s use of Western-made missiles. Putin highlighted the missile’s unmatched speed and precision, reinforcing Russia’s message that it will continue using such advanced weapons in retaliation for foreign interference.
Putin warned that Russia reserves the right to strike military targets in countries that allow their weapons to be used against Russian territory. Notably, the U.S. missile defense base in Poland, located in Redzikowo, has been named a “priority target” for potential neutralization, given its role in the ongoing conflict. The new base’s strategic location, aimed at countering Russia, has been described by Moscow as a provocative step that destabilizes international security.
The missile, traveling at speeds exceeding 10 Mach (roughly 7,600 mph), makes interception by current U.S. or European defense systems nearly impossible. This technological superiority places Russia in a favorable position, with its new weapon systems impervious to existing missile defense measures. Putin reiterated that this was merely a “combat test,” but he made it clear that further operations involving the Oreshnik missile will continue, and Russia’s future actions will be guided by its security assessments.
Russia has stated its policy on missile deployment will depend on the actions of NATO countries, particularly the U.S. and its allies. In response to the use of American and British-manufactured weapons in attacks against Russian soil, Moscow’s military operation remains unwavering, targeting key industrial and military sites in Ukraine with precision strikes.
⚡️ Statement by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin
Watch herein in full (dubbed in English) pic.twitter.com/mF5SCJdlq1
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) November 21, 2024
Putin further explained that Russia does not seek to escalate the conflict unnecessarily but will retaliate against any perceived threats. He also promised to give civilian populations in danger zones advance warnings before strikes, demonstrating Russia’s continued commitment to protecting non-combatants. However, he stressed that these announcements will not diminish the effectiveness of Russia’s military operations.
https://www.rt.com/russia/608003-ukraine-putin-oreshnik-missile/
https://www.rt.com/russia/607974-russia-poland-base-priority-target/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-threatens-attack-us-poland-083200615.html
https://news.yahoo.com/news/us-missile-priority-target-destruction-184513831.html
https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Artykul/3449102,russia-labels-us-missile-defense-base-in-poland-a-\u2018priority-target\u2019-amid-rising-tensions