News EditorRussian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning, threatening to target decision-making centers in Kyiv using Russia’s new ballistic missile, Oreshnik. This announcement follows a massive overnight assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which left more than one million residents without power.
Speaking hours after the strike, Putin framed the attack as a response to Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied Atacms missiles and UK-provided Storm Shadow missiles to hit Russian territory last week. The strikes marked the first such attacks approved by Western allies since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Wave of Destruction Across Ukraine
Russia’s assault, described as “comprehensive,” involved 90 missiles and 100 drones, including the Oreshnik missile. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of deploying cluster munitions against civilian and energy infrastructure, complicating recovery efforts.
The attack, which lasted nearly 10 hours, targeted multiple cities, including Odesa, Kharkiv, and Lutsk. Kyiv’s military administration reported that all missiles aimed at the capital were intercepted, but 12 regions across Ukraine experienced power outages. In the western regions, over 800,000 residents were left without electricity.
Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko announced emergency power cuts to stabilize the grid, while Ukrainian officials braced for further attempts by Russia to cripple the country’s energy systems as winter approaches.
Oreshnik Missile: Russia’s New Weapon
Putin touted the Oreshnik missile as a cutting-edge, unstoppable weapon, though U.S. intelligence suggests Russia possesses only a small number of these experimental missiles. The Kremlin’s claims are part of a broader strategy to pressure Ukraine and its Western allies.
Zelensky, responding in his nightly address, accused Putin of escalating the war to force concessions from Western leaders. “His escalation is a form of pressure aimed at eventually forcing the president of the United States to accept Russia’s terms,” Zelensky said.
Nuclear Threats and Security Concerns
Putin also reiterated Moscow’s opposition to Ukraine acquiring nuclear weapons, referencing reports suggesting some Western officials had floated the idea of providing Ukraine with such capabilities. Zelensky, in turn, highlighted the vulnerabilities Ukraine has faced since relinquishing its nuclear arsenal under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.
Winter Woes and Energy Challenges
As temperatures drop and snow begins to blanket Ukraine, officials fear a repeat of last winter’s attacks on critical infrastructure. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, reported significant damage to its thermal plants during recent strikes. The country has faced over 190 attacks on energy facilities since the invasion began, with Thursday’s assault marking the 11th major strike on the energy grid this year.
International aid, including €107 million from the European Commission and the U.S., has been vital in helping Ukraine restore power. However, with the full force of winter yet to hit, Ukrainians are bracing for another season of hardship amid continued Russian aggression.
Geopolitical Implications
Putin’s threats and Ukraine’s resolute response underscore the escalating stakes of the war, as both sides navigate complex military and diplomatic dynamics. While Russia intensifies its attacks, Ukraine continues to rely on Western support to resist and rebuild
