[WORLD] Vladimir Putin has threatened to attack Kyiv with Oreshnik missiles, an intermediate-range weapon that Moscow employed against Dnipro last week and claims cannot be intercepted by any air defense system.
"We do not rule out using Oreshnik against the military, military-industrial facilities, or decision-making centers, including in Kyiv," Putin stated during a news conference in Kazakhstan on Thursday. He stated the weapon was "comparable in strength to a nuclear strike" if used multiple times in the same spot, although it was not currently equipped with nuclear warheads.
"The kinetic impact is as intense as a falling meteorite. We know from history which meteorites fell where and what the repercussions were. It was sometimes enough to form entire lakes," Putin explained.
This stark warning reflects a broader strategy by Russia to demonstrate its military capabilities while simultaneously exerting psychological pressure on Ukraine and its allies. Analysts suggest that such threats are designed not only to intimidate but also to test the resolve of NATO and the West in their support for Ukraine. The implications of this could be far-reaching, potentially influencing military aid decisions and diplomatic strategies among Western nations.
Moscow has stated that the fresh threats are in response to a decision earlier this month by the US, UK, and France to allow Ukraine to launch long-range missiles given by them against military targets within Russia, something Kyiv had long demanded.
Kyiv is better secured by air defense batteries than most other Ukrainian cities, and there have been few successful attacks on the capital's center during the nearly three-year conflict.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, dismissed Putin's claim that air defense systems could not destroy Oreshnik rockets as "fiction, of course."
"Putin does not grasp military issues. He's the one who gets people to show him cartoons about how the missile will fly and how no one will be able to shoot it down. He repeatedly expressed the same thing regarding their Kinzhal missile. And later, when it was discovered that Patriot [air defense systems], even older generation systems, can comfortably shoot it down, he stopped talking about it," Podolyak explained.
The Ukrainian government remains resolute in its commitment to defend its territory and sovereignty against Russian aggression. Recent developments have underscored a critical juncture for Ukraine as it seeks to bolster its defenses while navigating complex international relations. The resilience of Kyiv's air defenses has been a significant factor in mitigating the impact of Russian missile strikes thus far, but ongoing threats from Moscow continue to challenge this stability.
Podolyak also stated that there was "no such thing" as Oreshnik, and that the missile was merely a minimally modified version of existing Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles. “The man has just come up with a name, just an abstract name,” he said.
Nonetheless, the threats have generated concern in Kyiv, leading a parliament session scheduled for last Friday to be canceled.
Russian state media channels have been joyfully praising the Oreshnik as a major feat, with some parents even naming their children after the missile.
When pressed to explain if he was referring to targeting military or political targets in Kyiv, and whether he intended to do so with Oreshnik missiles, Putin responded with what he described as a Soviet weather joke: "Today, during the course of the day, everything is possible."
Although the fresh threats are concerning, many analysts feel that after using the weapon once as a demonstration, Putin is unlikely to escalate further before Donald Trump takes office, instead aiming to seize a chance to win Trump's favor.
Putin complimented Trump as "intelligent" on Thursday, probably in an attempt to create a good impression on the president-elect. He stated that he was astonished by the assassination attempt on Trump during the campaign. "In my opinion, he is not safe now," Putin stated.
"Unfortunately, in the history of the United States, various incidents have happened," he told the audience. "I think he [Trump] is intelligent and I hope he's cautious and understands this."
This unexpected praise from Putin raises questions about potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership. If Trump were to adopt a more conciliatory approach towards Russia compared to his predecessors, it could significantly alter the dynamics of international relations and impact ongoing support for Ukraine. Analysts are closely monitoring these developments for signs of how they may influence future negotiations or military strategies involving both nations.
He speculated that Joe Biden's decision to enable the use of long-range weapons could be a ruse to support Trump by providing him with a future bargaining tool or an attempt to complicate Trump's relations with Russia. In any case, he stated that Trump will "find a solution" to the Ukraine conflict and that Moscow was willing to engage in conversation.
Russia targeted Ukraine with missiles and drones early Thursday morning, focusing on the country's energy infrastructure and knocking off electricity to more than a million households, according to Ukrainian officials.
Moscow has regularly targeted Ukraine's electrical grid, and the country is anticipated to struggle to meet demand over the winter, especially if the strikes continue. Over the last three years, over half of Ukraine's energy capacity has been damaged, and Ukrainian officials have recently claimed that Russia may be hoarding missiles in order to launch coordinated strikes on electricity infrastructure and make millions of people miserable this winter.
As winter approaches, concerns grow over how sustained attacks on energy infrastructure will affect civilians across Ukraine. The potential for widespread power outages could exacerbate humanitarian crises and strain resources further as families brace for harsh conditions without reliable heating or electricity. International aid organizations are preparing for increased demand for assistance as they work alongside local authorities to address these pressing needs amid ongoing conflict.
There is a growing sense in Kyiv that tiredness after nearly three years of full-scale war combined with the entrance of the Trump administration will put pressure on Ukrainians to start discussions with the Russians. However, there is no indication that Russia is ready to talk or willing to discuss cease-fire terms that are not humiliating for Ukraine.
"Even those who claim to be prepared for negotiations recognize that they are only conceivable if we compel Russia to the table," Podolyak stated that negotiations should be conducted with power rather than submission.
On Wednesday, Trump appointed retired Army General Keith Kellogg as his ambassador to Russia and Ukraine. Trump has promised to bring the war to a conclusion through negotiation, and Kyiv officials are keeping a close eye on his appointments.
The selection of 80-year-old Kellogg, who has not preached the pro-Russian language popular among others in Trump's entourage may provide reassurance as he has previously discussed a plan to leverage military aid by expanding it while pressing for peace talks.
Kellogg has frequently denounced Russia's invasion on US media and warned that the conflict may spiral into a worldwide conflagration. He has also stated that Ukraine will have little alternative but to negotiate even though it is unclear what security guarantees Kyiv might receive to ensure Russia will adhere to any cease-fire agreement.
"If Ukraine does not want to negotiate fine but then accept the fact that you can have enormous losses in your cities accept the fact that your children will be killed accept the fact that you will not have 130,000 dead but 230,000 [to] 250,000," Kellogg told Voice of America at the Republican National Convention in July.
The stakes are high as both sides navigate this precarious landscape filled with potential pitfalls and opportunities for diplomacy. As international observers watch closely for signs of de-escalation or renewed hostilities following Trump's inauguration plans remain uncertain amid shifting alliances and evolving strategies within both governments. The coming weeks will be critical as leaders assess their positions while seeking pathways toward resolution amidst ongoing turmoil.
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