Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia might deploy its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile to target key government centres in Kyiv if Ukraine were to acquire nuclear capabilities. The Oreshnik missile, which Russia fired for the first time last week, is claimed to be capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 10 and is said to be undetectable by Ukraine’s air defences.
Putin emphasized that Russia would respond to Ukrainian missile strikes on Russian territory with long-range missiles, including possibly testing the Oreshnik missile in combat conditions. He described the missile’s impact as similar to a meteorite, with destructive power comparable to a nuclear strike when used in multiple launches. However, Putin noted that the missile is not currently equipped with a nuclear warhead.
The Russian leader also warned that if any country were to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine, it would violate non-proliferation agreements. While he believes it is unlikely Ukraine could develop its own nuclear weapons, Putin raised concerns about Ukraine potentially building a "dirty bomb," which is a conventional explosive laced with radioactive material. In such a scenario, he vowed a strong response from Russia.
Putin’s comments were made during a press conference in Kazakhstan, where he also stated that if Ukraine were to become a nuclear power, Russia would use all available destructive means to prevent it. He further mentioned that the United States could provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons before the end of President Joe Biden's term.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has raised fears of escalation, with both sides accusing each other of intensifying the conflict.
