Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that Russia would persist with testing its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile in combat scenarios and confirmed that a stockpile of the weapon was ready for deployment. 

The statement followed the missile's first use in Ukraine on Thursday, which Putin described as a successful test. He attributed the deployment to Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ballistic missiles and British cruise missiles in strikes against Russia. 

“We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and the nature of the security threats that are created for Russia,” Putin stated during a televised meeting with defense officials and missile developers. 

Putin emphasized that Russia already possesses a stockpile of Oreshnik missiles, named after the hazel tree, ready for operational use. The missile represents a significant addition to Russia's arsenal of intermediate-range weapons and is touted as a technological advancement in hypersonic capabilities. 

Meanwhile, Ukraine responded to the development by announcing its efforts to create air defense systems capable of countering the Oreshnik and similar weapons. 

The introduction of the Oreshnik missile marks a new phase in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns over the escalation of advanced weaponry being utilized in the region. (ILKHA)