Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia targeted a major industrial facility in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro with a new hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile. 

Initially, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Moscow had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the attack, a claim echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Zelenskyy stated that further expert analysis is underway to confirm the missile model. 

In a live address, Putin clarified that the strike was carried out using a new medium-range missile system called Oreshnik, equipped with non-nuclear hypersonic capabilities. The attack targeted a site associated with Ukraine’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer, Pivdenmash, which has historical significance as a prominent Soviet-era industrial complex. 

Putin framed the missile's deployment as a response to U.S. plans to develop and station intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. He asserted that the new missile system exemplifies Russia’s capability to respond decisively to external military threats. 

“The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has acquired global dimensions,” Putin said. He warned countries supplying arms to Ukraine against further involvement, stating that Russia retains the right to strike military facilities in nations whose weapons are used against Moscow. 

“I recommend that the ruling elites of those countries...think seriously about their actions,” he cautioned. 

Ukrainian authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage to the Pivdenmash plant. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have continued to assess the situation and verify the missile type used in the strike. 

The strike underscores the escalation of tensions between Russia and the West over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin’s comments suggest a heightened willingness to deploy advanced weaponry in response to what Moscow perceives as increasing foreign military involvement in the conflict. 

Further developments are awaited as both sides analyze the aftermath of the strike. (ILKHA)