KYIV: On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin issued a warning that Russia would target "decision-making centres" in Kyiv using its new hypersonic missile. This declaration came just hours after Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving over a million Ukrainians without electricity.
According to officials in Kyiv, Russia fired more than 90 missiles and around 100 drones during the assault. In response to these actions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged international allies to take a strong stand against what he described as Russian "blackmail."
Putin characterized the recent missile strikes as a retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, which utilized Western weaponry. During a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, he mentioned the possibility of deploying the Oreshnik missile against military and government targets in Ukraine.
The government district of Kyiv, which houses several important buildings, has ramped up security amid growing concerns over potential attacks. Last week, Russia tested the Oreshnik missile against Ukraine and claimed that launching multiple missiles at once could have the destructive power comparable to a nuclear strike.
Putin insisted that the overnight attack was a direct reaction to the attacks on Russian soil using ATACMS missiles from the U.S. He reiterated that Russia would always respond to perceived threats.
As winter approaches, many Ukrainians are facing difficulties, especially since much of the country’s energy infrastructure has been severely damaged over the nearly three-year conflict. Tensions have heightened recently, with both sides eager to gain an advantage before the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Putin expressed hope for a new relationship with the Trump administration, describing him as an “intelligent person” who could potentially help find solutions to the ongoing conflict, although he did not elaborate further.
The recent missile attacks have particularly affected western Ukraine, with reports indicating that over 500,000 residents in places like Lviv and Rivne lost power. Ukrainian officials stated that damage was reported in 14 regions, primarily impacting the western areas of the country.
Zelensky condemned the use of "cluster munitions" during the attack, labeling it a grave escalation of Russian aggression. AFP reporters in Kyiv reported hearing explosions as air defense systems attempted to intercept the incoming threat, with many locals seeking refuge underground.
The energy ministry noted that this marks the 11th major attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year. A senior UN official has warned that the ongoing strikes could make this winter particularly harsh for Ukrainians.
After Russia conducted tests on the new Oreshnik missile, Putin claimed it could cause significant destruction and that the weapon could travel at remarkable speeds. He also asserted that Russia was aware of the long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine and their locations.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded to Putin’s threats, framing them as evidence of weakness and emphasized that the West would not be intimidated by such statements.
