On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin threatened to target "decision-making centers" in Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic Oreshnik missile, following a massive attack that left over a million Ukrainians without power.
This barrage involved more than 90 missiles and 100 drones, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned as Russian "blackmail."
Putin claimed the strikes were a response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory using Western missiles. He emphasized that the Oreshnik missile could deliver force comparable to a nuclear strike and noted that recent military actions were necessary due to ongoing Ukrainian offensives.
As winter approaches, Ukraine faces severe energy challenges, exacerbated by Russian bombardments that have damaged infrastructure. Zelenskyy described the attacks as a "despicable escalation," while President Joe Biden highlighted the urgency of supporting Ukraine in light of these developments.