Vladimir Putin has issued a threat to strike Kyiv with Oreshnik missiles, claiming that these intermediate-range weapons are unstoppable by any air defense system. The Russian president stated that these missiles could be used against military targets, military-industrial facilities, or decision-making centers in Kyiv. He compared the impact of these missiles to that of a nuclear strike, emphasizing the destructive power they possess. However, he clarified that the missiles are not currently equipped with nuclear warheads.
In response to Putin’s threats, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s actions, labeling them as a “despicable escalation.” Despite Putin’s claims about the effectiveness of the Oreshnik missiles, Ukrainian officials dismissed them as fictional. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, refuted Putin’s assertions, stating that there is no such missile as Oreshnik and that it is merely a modified version of existing Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The heightened tensions have raised concerns in Kyiv, leading to the cancellation of a parliamentary session. Russian state media has been promoting the Oreshnik missiles as a significant achievement, with reports indicating that some parents are naming their children after the weapon. Putin’s ambiguous response to questions about the targets in Kyiv and the use of Oreshnik missiles has added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Despite the alarming nature of these threats, many analysts believe that Putin may be using them as a demonstration rather than intending to escalate further. Some speculate that Putin is waiting for the transition of power in the US to see how the incoming administration, particularly President-elect Donald Trump, will respond. Putin recently praised Trump, lauding his intelligence and expressing concern for Trump’s safety in light of an assassination attempt during the campaign.
The recent attack by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which left over a million households without power, underscores the urgency of supporting Kyiv in its defense against Russian aggression. The US has reiterated its commitment to standing with Ukraine, with President-elect Biden emphasizing the importance of backing the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing hostilities.
As the conflict continues, there is a growing recognition in Kyiv of the need to explore negotiations with Russia, especially with the impending change in US leadership. However, there is skepticism about Russia’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue or agree to ceasefire terms that are not detrimental to Ukraine. The appointment of Keith Kellogg as Trump’s envoy for Russia and Ukraine has sparked interest in Kyiv, as he has previously advocated for leveraging military aid to facilitate peace talks.
Kellogg’s stance on the conflict and his emphasis on the importance of negotiation signal a potential shift in US policy towards Ukraine. His criticism of Russia’s invasion and warnings about the escalation of the conflict highlight the need for a diplomatic resolution. As Ukraine navigates its path forward, the role of key figures like Kellogg will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of negotiations and determining the outcome of the ongoing conflict.
