Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that the country will continue testing and commence mass production of its hypersonic ballistic missile, following its launch against Ukraine earlier in the week. This strike, employing the “Oreshnik” missile equipped with multiple warheads, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and heightened global security concerns.
Speaking during a televised meeting with top defense officials, Putin emphasized the missile’s advanced capabilities, asserting that it is invulnerable to existing air defense systems. “There are currently no means of countering such a missile, no means of intercepting it, in the world,” he declared. “We will continue testing the latest system, and these weapons will enter serial production soon.”
The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions after the United States approved Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles to strike Russian targets. This decision, coupled with Russia’s experimental missile deployment, signals a potentially transformative phase in the war, drawing in deeper international focus and alliances.
Putin also revealed that Russia is working on developing additional medium- and short-range missile systems. “Several similar systems are under development, and, based on test results, they will also move to production. We are creating an entire line of advanced weapons,” he noted.
The missile in question, named “Oreshnik,” was deployed against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. It carries multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), making it a formidable threat to traditional air defense networks. Experts highlight that the missile’s ability to release multiple warheads mid-flight presents a significant challenge to interception technologies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, accusing Russia of blatant disregard for human life. In a video address, Zelensky described Russia’s actions as “a reminder of the madness and brutality of our adversary.” He added that Ukraine is collaborating with international allies to develop and deploy enhanced air defense systems capable of countering such threats.
The missile strike has drawn sharp criticism from neighboring nations and global leaders. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, described the event as a turning point in the conflict, warning that the war is “entering a decisive phase.” NATO has also announced its intention to hold emergency talks with Ukrainian representatives next week to assess the situation and coordinate responses.
This development underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare, as hypersonic technology reshapes military strategy. The introduction of the “Oreshnik” missile marks a troubling advancement in Russia’s arsenal, raising alarms over the potential escalation of the conflict and its implications for global security.
