Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a grave threat to Kiev as the war in Ukraine intensifies. In a speech on Thursday, Putin revealed that Russia could target further Ukrainian cities, including the capital, with the country’s newly deployed Oreshnik ballistic missile. This missile, which was used in a recent strike on Dnipro, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
This new missile system, coupled with Russia’s growing military aggression, marks a dangerous shift in the dynamics of the war. Putin has stated that Russia’s military is selecting targets in Ukraine, with military installations, defence companies, and critical decision-making centres in Kiev all in the crosshairs.
In this article, we’ll break down Putin’s threats, the implications for Ukraine, and the escalating military strategies being employed on both sides of the conflict.
The Oreshnik Ballistic Missile: A New Threat to Ukraine
The Oreshnik ballistic missile, which was first deployed last week, is a powerful new weapon that Russia is using to expand its offensive capabilities. The missile was recently fired at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, and Putin confirmed that it was part of a broader strategy to test Russia’s military strength under wartime conditions.
This missile is part of a broader push by Russia to modernise and strengthen its military arsenal. Putin has even gone so far as to claim that when used in conjunction with other new Russian weapons, the Oreshnik missile has destructive power comparable to a nuclear bomb.
In response to Ukraine’s use of Western-made weapons, such as ATACMS missiles and Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Russia is ramping up its attacks, claiming the recent missile tests are retaliation for Ukraine’s strikes on Russian territory.
Putin’s Warning: Kiev in the Line of Fire
Putin’s threats to escalate attacks on Kiev signal a dramatic shift in Russia’s approach to the war. In his comments, the Russian President stated that military buildings, defence companies, and key decision-making centres in Kiev could be targeted in future missile strikes. He made it clear that Russia is selecting targets in Ukraine, with a particular focus on locations in the capital.
Given the history of missile strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, Putin’s words heighten the sense of urgency for Ukrainian citizens and the international community. The threat of further destruction in Kiev, including the potential for targeting the city’s energy infrastructure and military installations, suggests that this conflict is far from over.
The Rising Threat: Russian Missile and Drone Strikes
Putin also highlighted Russia’s recent missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities. According to the Russian President, Russia has launched over 100 missiles and 466 combat drones at Ukraine in the past two days alone. The primary targets of these attacks have been energy facilities, military bases, and civilian infrastructure, causing widespread power outages across much of Ukraine.
The latest missile strikes have left more than a million Ukrainians without electricity, as Russian forces target critical power infrastructure in regions such as Rivne, Volyn, and Lviv. The scale of these strikes, which included over 90 rockets and cruise missiles, demonstrates the ongoing intensity of the Russian assault on Ukraine.
Power Cuts and Civilian Impact Across Western Ukraine
The ongoing Russian missile strikes have caused devastating power outages across several regions of Ukraine. As authorities scramble to deal with the aftermath of these attacks, the affected areas include:
- Rivne Region: Over 280,000 households left without power.
- Volyn Region: Over 200,000 households affected by power outages.
- Lviv Region: Over 500,000 residents without electricity.
- Ivano-Frankivsk: An additional 300,000 households also impacted by energy disruptions.
The blackouts have forced the Ukrainian government to implement emergency measures to manage power supply. Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s grid operator, is currently working around the clock to restore power, while authorities continue to assess the damage and make plans to protect vulnerable infrastructure.
Russian Drone Attacks and Their Deadly Consequences
Russian drone attacks have also taken a deadly toll. In the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, a drone attack killed two men and injured three others. The attack targeted a tractor in a field near the village of Bilyi Kolodiaz, which lies close to the front lines. While the drone used in this attack was reportedly a “first-person-view” drone, capable of being controlled via video connection, it highlights the increasing reliance on drones by Russia in its military strategy.
This escalation of drone usage is another sign of how modern warfare is evolving. Russia’s growing reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is complicating Ukraine’s defence efforts, forcing the Ukrainian military to adapt rapidly to new threats.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of War Crimes
Amid these attacks, **Ukraine has once again accused Russia of committing war crimes. The Ukrainian prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in the southern region of Zaporizhzhya. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian soldiers executed five out of six Ukrainian POWs after capturing them near the village of Novodaryivka. The investigation into these deaths is ongoing, as Ukraine seeks justice for the victims.
This accusation adds to the mounting evidence of human rights violations committed by Russian forces throughout the war, including the execution of Ukrainian soldiers and the targeting of civilian infrastructure.
International Reaction: EU Condemns Russia’s Actions
In response to these developments, the European Parliament has condemned Russia’s actions, including its reliance on North Korean troops and missile strikes on Ukraine. Lawmakers have called for stronger military support for Ukraine and for additional sanctions on countries supporting Russia’s war efforts, such as China, Belarus, and Iran.
The EU has particularly criticised China for its assistance to Moscow, urging Beijing to cease all military or dual-use assistance to Russia. The parliament’s resolution also highlighted the growing threat posed by Russia’s missile systems and its expansion of military support from rogue states like North Korea.
What’s Next for Ukraine?
As Russia escalates its attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kiev, and uses increasingly destructive weaponry, the situation remains dire. With new missile threats, drone strikes, and power outages taking a toll on Ukraine’s civilian population, the war is intensifying. However, Ukraine’s resilience is unwavering, and its military continues to push back against Russian forces.
The international community, particularly Western nations, must continue to support Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty. The coming months will be critical in determining the future of the region and the course of the conflict.
Photo credit: Union of Concerned Scientists
