Kyiv, Ukraine: Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Kyiv, threatening to target key decision-making centers with Russia’s advanced hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik. The announcement came hours after a massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure plunged over a million people into darkness.
During a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin declared the strikes a “response” to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, reportedly carried out using US-supplied ATACMS missiles. Putin emphasized that the Oreshnik missile, capable of traveling at speeds of three kilometers per second, could cause destruction akin to a “meteorite hit” or a nuclear explosion.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling them acts of “terrorism” and urging international allies to intensify support for Kyiv. The assault damaged energy systems in 14 regions, with the western Lviv, Rivne, and Volyn areas particularly hard-hit, as residents brace for a grueling winter amid damaged infrastructure.
The Kremlin’s recent moves reflect heightened tensions as the nearly three-year conflict intensifies. Putin also expressed optimism about working with US President-elect Donald Trump, calling him an “intelligent person” who could contribute to finding solutions, though he did not elaborate.
The missile barrages, which mark the eleventh significant attack on Ukraine’s civilian energy systems this year, underscore the dire humanitarian situation. A senior UN official recently warned that this winter could be the harshest for Ukrainians since the conflict began.
Western leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, criticized Putin’s rhetoric as a sign of desperation. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden reiterated the urgency of supporting Ukraine, calling the attacks “outrageous” and emphasizing the global need to stand firm against Russian aggression.
As both nations deploy increasingly advanced weaponry, the conflict’s trajectory appears set to escalate, with devastating consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.
