On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened potential strikes on Kyiv utilizing the new hypersonic 'Oreshnik' missile, following a severe attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure that left a million people without electricity.
During a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin indicated the missile could target decision-making centers, heightening concerns in Kyiv.
Russia launched over 90 missiles and nearly 100 drones in response to Ukrainian attacks with Western missiles.
This attack represents an escalation in the nearly three-year conflict as both sides increase armaments ahead of President-elect
Donald Trump’s impending inauguration.
Putin asserted that Oreshnik could deliver a force comparable to a nuclear strike and criticized Ukraine's use of ATACMS missiles against Russian territory.
The recent strikes caused significant damage to the electricity supplies in Ukraine's western regions.
Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the cluster munitions used by Russia in the attack, calling it a 'despicable escalation' in Russian tactics.
In response, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk regarded Putin’s threats as signs of weakness.
With winter approaching, Ukraine prepares for further challenges after 11 large-scale attacks on its energy network this year.
The situation remains tense as both sides anticipate possible changes in the geopolitical landscape following Trump's inauguration.