NATO and Ukraine are set to hold urgent talks following Russia’s deployment of a new hypersonic ballistic missile against the city of Dnipro, a move that has intensified the ongoing conflict.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation as “entering a decisive phase” and warned of its “dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, canceled a scheduled session on Friday, citing heightened security concerns after the missile strike targeted a military facility in Dnipro on Thursday.
In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the attack, which utilized the experimental Oreshnik intermediate-range missile, was retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles capable of penetrating deep into Russian territory. He asserted that Western air defenses are incapable of countering the new missile.
The Oreshnik missile, named after the Russian word for “hazelnut tree,” was launched from the Kapustin Yar missile test range in the Astrakhan region. Ukraine’s intelligence agency revealed that the missile carried six warheads, each equipped with submunitions, and achieved a speed of Mach 11.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reinforced Moscow’s stance, blaming Western nations for escalating the conflict by supplying weapons to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his close ties to Russia, speculated on state radio that the operation of US-supplied missiles likely involves direct American assistance, suggesting deeper international involvement.
Meanwhile, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky visited Kyiv to assess the impact of the strikes and discuss optimizing international aid efforts.
Beyond Dnipro, Russia’s attacks continued elsewhere in Ukraine. A residential district in Sumy was struck by Shahed drones, reportedly packed with shrapnel, killing two people and injuring 13, according to regional officials.
As tensions mount, NATO and Ukraine’s response to the escalating use of advanced weaponry will be closely monitored, with international calls for de-escalation growing louder.
