Ukraine Urges Allies for Advanced Air Defense Systems

Ukraine has appealed to its Western allies for the latest air defense systems after being struck by a new hypersonic ballistic missile developed by Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans for mass production of the missile, pledging firm resistance against Russia’s adversaries.

For the first time since the war began, Russia used the newly developed "Oreshnik" medium-range hypersonic missile, capable of reaching up to 5,500 kilometers.

Moscow confirmed the missile targeted a military-industrial complex in Dnipro, central Ukraine, on Thursday.

The missile, described as "non-nuclear," was launched from the Astrakhan region in southwestern Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced via a video message that his defense minister is in discussions with international partners to secure advanced air defense systems.

Zelensky highlighted the urgent need for systems capable of countering new threats and safeguarding civilian lives.

Currently, Ukraine relies on a limited number of US-made Patriot missile systems and Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense systems.

While these have intercepted Russian hypersonic missiles like the Kinzhal, their limited availability leaves many Ukrainian cities vulnerable.

Russia claims the "Oreshnik" missile is nearly impossible to intercept and capable of reaching any European nation.

President Putin praised its capabilities during a televised meeting with military officials, emphasizing plans for further production and testing under combat conditions, depending on evolving threats.

The announcement has heightened fears of renewed missile strikes on Ukraine, particularly as Kyiv recently launched attacks on Russian territory using U.S. and British missiles.

The Biden administration recently approved Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory, citing growing concerns over the deployment of North Korean soldiers to support Russian forces.