Signal from the West or a Threat to Ukraine: NYT Analyzes Russia's Intercontinental Missile Attack

A signal from the West or a threat to Ukraine: NYT analyzed Russia's attack with an intercontinental missile Sofia Khushvakhtova

The Kremlin tested a new missile with nuclear potential against Ukraine for the first time. Putin stressed that Moscow is ready for decisive action in response to Western support.

The launch of the Oreshnik missile with nuclear potential was a signal from Russia to the West. Putin stressed that Moscow is ready for decisive action in response to Western support for Ukraine. This was reported by 24 Kanal, citing The New York Times.

What details are known from the NYT analysis regarding the Oreshnik missile strike on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that this strike is a response to Ukraine's use of American and British missiles to attack Russian facilities.

According to him, the missile, known as “Oreshnik”, was tested successfully and is capable of carrying a nuclear payload, although only conventional warheads were used during the strike. Putin also warned that Russia could strike military facilities in countries that provide weapons for attacks on Russian infrastructure.

Please note! According to the NYT, Western experts assess this move as an attempt to intimidate Ukraine and its allies, especially given the nuclear potential of this weapon. Although the missile was launched from the Astrakhan region and could have hit its target using traditional means, the choice of this type of weapon is alarming.

The use of this missile is part of the Kremlin's strategy aimed at demonstrating strength and escalating tensions between Russia and the West. According to Ukrainian officials, the strike is further evidence of Moscow's unwillingness to end the war peacefully.

Analysts say the event not only complicates relations between Russia and Ukraine, but also raises risks to global security.

What is known about the Oreshnik intercontinental ballistic missile

• Russia struck the Dnieper on November 21, 2024, using what Putin said was a new Oreshnik system.
• The Oreshnik could be a two-stage missile, converted from the Pioneer or Yars, with a range of 1000 to 5.5 thousand kilometers, created to carry nuclear warheads.
• The missile is heavy, expensive and difficult to shoot down due to its rise to an altitude of more than 100 kilometers, but without nuclear warheads it loses combat effectiveness.