Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia has the right to target military facilities in countries supplying weapons to Ukraine for attacks on Moscow.
This statement came after a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, which Putin described as a response to Kyiv’s recent use of long-range U.S. and British missiles in attacks on Russia.
Putin confirmed that the strike on Dnipro involved a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, dubbed “Oreshnik” (Russian for “hazel”), and warned that the weapon could be deployed against nations enabling Kyiv’s missile operations.
He also pledged that Russia would provide advance warnings for future strikes involving this missile to allow civilian evacuations.
The situation has escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Western nations accusing Moscow of using nuclear threats and reckless behavior to intimidate Ukraine and its allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Putin’s actions, calling him “afraid” and labeling Russia’s continued aggression as evidence of its desperation.
NATO has condemned Russia’s actions and continues to support Ukraine with military aid and training.
The organization has also imposed severe sanctions on Russia, which are helping to starve the Kremlin’s war machine of resources.
