Pentagon Warns of Potential Russian Missile Launch Against Ukraine in Coming Days
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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon has issued a warning that Russia may soon launch another attack using its new intermediate-range ballistic missile, known as the Oreshnik, against Ukraine. This growth comes as both sides in the nearly three-year conflict seek a strategic advantage that could influence any future negotiations to end the war.
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters during a briefing that an attack could occur “in the coming days.” While the U.S. does not view the Oreshnik missile as a game-changer on the battlefield, Singh emphasized that Russia is “trying to use every weapon that they have in their arsenal to intimidate Ukraine.”
The U.S. warning is based on a recent intelligence assessment, though Singh did not provide additional details, including potential targets. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information, previously confirmed that Russia was making preparations for another launch of the missile, which was first used last month.
The timing of this threat coincides with President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to end the war, and also suggestions from Western allies that negotiations to resolve the conflict could begin this winter. Singh reiterated that the U.S.remains committed to supporting Ukraine,including providing additional air defense systems to protect against aerial assaults.
In a recent development, the U.S. pledged nearly $1 billion in new security aid to Ukraine, which includes munitions for air defense. This support underscores the Biden administration’s continued efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defenses amid ongoing hostilities.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry has indicated its readiness to retaliate. In a statement, the ministry claimed that Ukraine used six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles to strike a military air base in Taganrog, located in the southern Rostov region, injuring Russian soldiers. According to the ministry, two of the missiles were intercepted by an air defense system, while the remaining four were deflected by electronic warfare assets.
“This attack with Western long-range weapons will not be left unanswered and relevant measures will be taken,” the ministry said in a statement.
This is not the first time U.S. officials have warned of potential Russian actions.Prior to Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the U.S.publicly shared intelligence indicating that Moscow was preparing to move troops toward Kyiv. Later, the U.S. also disclosed that Russia was positioning operatives in eastern Ukraine to conduct a “false-flag operation,” which would have served as a pretext for escalation.
As the conflict continues,the U.S. remains focused on deterring further aggression while supporting Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself. The potential use of the Oreshnik missile underscores the ongoing tensions and the high stakes involved in the war, which has now stretched into its third year.
For U.S. readers, this development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Eastern Europe and the importance of continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. As the situation evolves, the Biden administration will need to navigate a delicate balance between providing aid and avoiding direct escalation with Russia.
Russia’s Oreshnik missile: A New Threat in Ukraine Conflict
In a recent escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has deployed its advanced Oreshnik missile, marking a notable shift in military strategy.U.S. officials have confirmed that Russia possesses only a limited number of these missiles, which carry smaller warheads compared to other missiles regularly used in the conflict.
The Oreshnik missile made its combat debut on Nov. 21, targeting a military facility in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Surveillance footage captured the missile’s devastating impact, showing massive fireballs streaking through the night sky before slamming into the ground at unbelievable speeds. This marked the first time the weapon had been used in active combat.
Within hours of the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on television, proudly showcasing the missile’s capabilities. He warned Western nations, particularly Ukraine’s NATO allies, that the Oreshnik could be used against them if they continued to supply Kyiv with longer-range weapons.
“We believe that we have the right to use our weapons against military facilities of the countries that allow to use their weapons against our facilities,” Putin said at the time.
The missile’s deployment came just days after Putin signed a revised version of Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons. The new doctrine allows for a potential nuclear response even to conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers. This move coincided with President Joe Biden’s decision to ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-made, longer-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory.
In addition, the U.S. had recently provided Ukraine with antipersonnel mines to help slow Russia’s advances on the battlefield. These developments underscore the growing tension and complexity of the conflict, with both sides escalating their military capabilities.
Putin has not only threatened Ukraine but also hinted at potential targets beyond Dnipro. He suggested that the oreshnik could be used against other strategic sites in Ukraine, including government districts in kyiv. in a recent statement, Putin declared that civilians and foreign nationals in potential target areas would be advised to evacuate in advance.
“While selecting targets for strikes with such systems as Oreshnik on the territory of Ukraine, we will ask civilians and nationals of friendly countries there to leave hazardous zones in advance,” Putin stated.
The Russian president has lauded the Oreshnik’s capabilities,describing its multiple warheads as virtually unstoppable due to their mach 10 speed.putin has even suggested that the use of several Oreshnik missiles in a single conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack.
The Pentagon has classified the Oreshnik as an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). While not technically a hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik’s range and speed make it a formidable weapon. Intermediate-range missiles, like the Oreshnik, can travel between 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,400 miles), posing a significant threat to both Ukraine and its allies.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the introduction of the Oreshnik missile underscores the growing risks and uncertainties. With both sides bolstering their military capabilities, the potential for further escalation remains a pressing concern for the international community.
Key Takeaways:
- Russia’s Oreshnik missile made its combat debut on Nov. 21, targeting a military facility in Dnipro, Ukraine.
- President Vladimir Putin warned Western nations that the missile could be used against ukraine’s NATO allies if they continue to supply Kyiv with longer-range weapons.
- The deployment coincided with a revised Russian nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for nuclear response.
- The Oreshnik is classified as an intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of traveling up to 5,500 kilometers.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve.
U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine Faces Uncertainty Amid Escalating Conflict and Political Shifts
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified as both sides vie for strategic advantage ahead of potential negotiations.With former President donald Trump set to take office next month, questions loom over the future of U.S. support for Kyiv, particularly in light of recent statements suggesting a potential shift in American policy.
In recent days, Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, arguing that Ukraine should brace for reduced military aid from the United States. On social media last weekend, he wrote, “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would like to make a deal and stop the madness.”
This comes as the Biden administration announced a $988 million long-term aid package for Ukraine last weekend, adding to the $725 million in additional U.S. military assistance unveiled earlier. The latter includes counter-drone systems and HIMARS munitions, which are being drawn from the Pentagon’s stockpiles to expedite delivery to the front lines. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with over $62 billion in military aid.
The escalating tensions and shifting political dynamics raise critical questions about the future of U.S. involvement in the conflict. As both sides prepare for potential negotiations, the role of American support remains a pivotal factor in determining the outcome of the war.
The Biden administration’s latest aid package underscores the continued commitment to supporting Ukraine, but the incoming Trump administration’s stance could signal a significant change in policy. Analysts warn that any reduction in U.S. military aid could weaken Ukraine’s position on the battlefield, perhaps altering the balance of power in the region.
As the conflict drags on, the international community remains divided on how to address the crisis. While some advocate for continued support to Ukraine, others call for diplomatic solutions to end the bloodshed. The next few months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the war and the role the United States will play in its resolution.
For now, the focus remains on the front lines, where Ukrainian forces continue to resist Russian advances. The impact of U.S. aid on the ground cannot be overstated,and its future remains a key variable in the ongoing struggle for control in Eastern Europe.
Key Takeaways:
- the Biden administration announced a $988 million long-term aid package for Ukraine, on top of $725 million in additional military assistance.
- Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire and suggested Ukraine may receive less U.S.military aid in the future.
- Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has provided over $62 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
- The future of U.S. involvement in the conflict remains uncertain as political dynamics shift.
As the world watches, the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance, with U.S.support playing a decisive role in the outcome of the war.
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As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year,the deployment of Russia’s advanced Oreshnik missile has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing war. This growth not only highlights Russia’s growing military capabilities but also underscores the high stakes involved in the conflict. The introduction of such a formidable weapon raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on regional and global security.
The Oreshnik missile, with its intermediate-range capabilities and Mach 10 speed, poses a important threat to both Ukraine and its allies. President Vladimir Putin’s warnings to Western nations, especially Ukraine’s NATO allies, indicate that Russia is prepared to use this weapon against those supplying Kyiv with longer-range weapons. This stance aligns with Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine, which lowers the threshold for nuclear response, adding an even greater sense of urgency to the situation.
For the United States, the deployment of the Oreshnik missile presents a critical challenge. The Biden administration has been steadfast in its support for Ukraine, providing military aid and intelligence to help Kyiv defend itself against Russian aggression. However, with former President Donald Trump set to take office next month, there are growing concerns about a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine.Trump’s previous statements suggesting a more conciliatory approach toward Russia have raised questions about the future of U.S. military aid and support for Kyiv.
The evolving geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe demands careful navigation by the Biden administration. The potential for further escalation, coupled with the introduction of advanced weapons like the Oreshnik missile, requires a delicate balance between providing aid to Ukraine and avoiding direct confrontation with Russia. As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see how the United States and its allies respond to these new challenges.
the deployment of Russia’s Oreshnik missile marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in ukraine. The introduction of such a formidable weapon not only underscores the high stakes involved in the war but also raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on regional and global security. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see how the United States and its allies respond to these new challenges.
