Putin mulls striking Kyiv with new hypersonic missile that can reportedly reach US West Coast

In the wake of an overnight missile and drone attack by Russia targeting Ukraine’s vital energy infrastructure, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a chilling warning that government buildings in Kyiv could be the next targets of their aggression. Putin has claimed that a new hypersonic missile, known as the Oreshnik, could potentially reach the U.S. and is capable of striking decision-making centers in the Ukrainian capital.

The recent escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine has seen a series of retaliatory strikes between the two nations. Russia fired the Oreshnik missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, hitting a weapons production plant in response to Ukrainian strikes on a Russian military facility. The use of advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles like the ATACMS, has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation of the conflict.

The Oreshnik missile, with its hypersonic capabilities, poses a significant threat to Ukraine and potentially to Western countries as well. With a range of up to 3,100 miles, the missile could target most of Europe and even reach the West Coast of the United States. Its speed of Mach 11 and ability to carry both non-nuclear and nuclear warheads make it a formidable weapon that is difficult to intercept with existing missile defense systems.

Putin’s announcement of plans to increase the production of advanced missile systems further underscores the gravity of the situation. With ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure leaving over a million households without power, the conflict shows no signs of abating. The latest aerial drone and missile attack by Russia has targeted key energy facilities, raising fears of a prolonged conflict that could have devastating consequences for Ukraine.

In response to the latest attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russia’s actions as a “vile escalation” and called for Western countries to deliver on promised air defense weaponry. The use of cluster munitions in the attacks has further complicated rescue and recovery efforts, highlighting the brutality of Russia’s tactics in the conflict.

As tensions continue to escalate, the international community must remain vigilant and work towards a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The appointment of Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as a potential special envoy for the conflict signals a renewed focus on finding a diplomatic solution. With both sides escalating their military actions, the need for a swift and effective resolution to the conflict is more pressing than ever before.