Kremlin has confirmed on Friday that Russia launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at a Ukrainian military facility, describing the strike as a message to the West. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the missile attack, using the newly developed Oreshnik (Hazel Tree) missile, was a direct response to what Russia considers “reckless” Western actions in support of Ukraine.
Peskov emphasized that the missile strike was meant to demonstrate Moscow’s capabilities and to warn Western nations of the consequences of their ongoing military support for Ukraine. “The reckless decisions and actions of Western countries, which include supplying missiles to Ukraine and facilitating strikes on Russian territory, cannot go without retaliation,” Peskov told reporters. He added that Russia had clearly outlined the potential for further retaliatory actions if its concerns were not addressed.
President Vladimir Putin had earlier confirmed the missile strike on Thursday, stating that it was launched after Ukraine, with approval from the Biden administration, fired several US-made ATACMS missiles and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles at Russian targets. Putin also noted that this escalation in the conflict was a significant development, marking the war with Ukraine as having “acquired elements of a global character.”
Although Russia had no obligation to inform the United States about the missile strike, Peskov confirmed that the US was notified 30 minutes prior to the attack. Despite the tensions, Peskov reiterated that President Putin remained open to dialogue with the US and other Western powers, though he criticized the Biden administration for continuing on a path of escalation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned Russia’s use of the new missile, calling it a “clear and severe escalation” in the conflict. He urged the international community to condemn the attack and urged for stronger responses to Moscow’s actions.