In response to escalating tensions, NATO members, including the UK, are set to hold emergency talks next week after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to increase the production of hypersonic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
This announcement comes on the heels of a recent missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, which Putin described as a “successful” operation.
The Threat of the Oreshnik Missile
During a televised address, Putin claimed that the new Oreshnik missile can reach speeds of Mach 11, or over 8,500 mph, making it nearly impossible for current air defense systems to intercept. He stated, “There is no countermeasure to such a missile, no means of intercepting it, in the world today.”
The missile reportedly struck an arms factory in Dnipro, underscoring the serious threat it poses not only to Ukraine but potentially to targets across Europe.
General Sergei Karakayev, commander of Russia’s Strategic Missiles Forces, emphasized the missile’s capabilities, stating, “The Oreshnik missile system has characteristics that allow it to hit targets throughout Europe.”
He added that it could effectively target both individual and highly protected locations.
Ukraine’s Response and International Concerns
In light of these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is actively working on enhancing its air defense systems to counter these new threats.
UK missile expert Justin Crump suggested that while the Oreshnik is likely still in the experimental phase, its deployment serves as a demonstration of Russia’s advancing military capabilities.
Amid these tensions, Ukraine’s envoy to the UK, Valery Zaluzhny, declared that a “Third World War” had effectively begun due to Russia’s increasing military aggression and its use of foreign troops and technology.
Political Reactions in the UK
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed claims from the Kremlin suggesting that Britain was already “at war” with Russia due to its support for Ukraine.
He clarified, “No, we’re not at war, but Ukraine certainly is,” emphasizing the ongoing aggression faced by Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began over 1,000 days ago.
Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating: “We cannot allow Putin to win this war.”
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As concerns grow regarding Russia’s territorial gains—occupying over 110,000 square kilometers of Ukraine while Ukraine holds only 1,100 square kilometers of Russian territory—the urgency for NATO’s unified response intensifies.
Strategic Implications
Experts warn that if Russia can mass-produce the Oreshnik missile as promised by Putin, it could significantly alter the dynamics of the conflict.
Dr. Marina Miron, a defense researcher at King’s College London, noted that while tactical maneuvers like Ukraine’s recent incursions may have been successful in specific instances, they could lead to strategic setbacks in the long term.
As NATO prepares for its emergency meeting next week, the situation remains tense with potential implications for global security and stability.
The international community watches closely as both sides brace for what could be a decisive phase in this ongoing conflict.