Thu Nov 21 21:51:53 UTC 2024: ## Russia Launches New Hypersonic Missile at Ukraine, Escalating Tensions
**MOSCOW, November 22, 2024** – Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, dubbed the “Oreshnik” (Hazelnut), at a missile factory in Dnipro, Ukraine, on Thursday, according to President Vladimir Putin. The attack, which injured two and damaged civilian infrastructure, comes in retaliation for Ukraine’s recent use of U.S. and British-supplied missiles to strike targets within Russia.
In a televised address, Putin described the Oreshnik as a hypersonic missile capable of traveling at ten times the speed of sound, rendering existing U.S. air defenses ineffective. He warned that Russia would target any country providing Ukraine with weapons used against Russian territory. He claimed the missile launch was a response to Ukrainian strikes that damaged a Russian ammunition depot and resulted in casualties. Putin stated that Russia will provide advance warnings before future Oreshnik strikes to allow civilian evacuations, a departure from previous tactics.
The Pentagon confirmed the launch, identifying the missile as a new type derived from Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh ICBM and capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that the U.S. was notified 30 minutes prior via nuclear risk reduction channels, contradicting earlier Kremlin statements.
Initial reports from Ukraine suggested the use of an ICBM in the Dnipro attack; however, U.S. assessments concluded it was an intermediate-range ballistic missile. The incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict, prompting concerns about further escalation and the potential use of nuclear weapons. President Putin’s warning of decisive retaliation against any further perceived aggression has heightened global tensions.
First Piper 