Putin threatens Kyiv with high-tech missile barrage
Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia would launch additional attacks on Ukraine using its latest hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile systems. He also stated that he would not permit Ukraine to obtain nuclear weapons, warning that otherwise, he would use "all means of destruction."
Putin's speech during the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Astana on Thursday signaled more aggression against Ukrainian cities. "At present, the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are selecting targets to hit on Ukrainian territory," Putin announced.
"These could be military facilities, defence and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centers in Kyiv," he declared. He added that the serial production of the Oreshnik missile system has already commenced; however, the army will employ various types of weapons and ammunition.
Putin announces new attacks on Kyiv; Oresznik systems are already in production
"But at the end of the day, it will be up to us to choose the means of destruction considering the nature of the targets that were selected to be wiped out and the threats posed to the Russian Federation," Putin noted.
He also emphasized that Moscow would respond to any attack on Russian territory involving Western long-range missiles. Therefore, further tests of the Oreshnik system in combat conditions are possible, "as was done on November 21," he announced.
He noted that the United States and its NATO allies announced on November 21 the decision to permit Kyiv to use precision long-range weapons. Subsequently, according to him, missiles produced in the USA and the United Kingdom targeted Russian military facilities in the Kursk and Bryansk regions.
In response, Russia tested its latest hypersonic medium-range ballistic missiles, Oreshnik, equipped with conventional warheads. This military potential was aimed at the large Ukrainian defense enterprise Yuzhmash in Dnipro.
The Russian leader stressed that provocative actions by the West could lead to serious consequences if the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. "Strikes on Russian territory, including those using Western weapons, will not go unanswered," he stated.
"As I have repeatedly said, we will always respond," he emphasized.
He also stressed that the transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine by any party would violate non-proliferation commitments, which aim to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
