Iran Press/Europe: Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Ukraine war has taken on elements of a global nature after Western missiles were used to strike his country.
At first, Ukraine's Air Force reported that Moscow had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile during an early morning attack on the city of Dnipro. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed this in a video address. However, he stated that expert evaluations are currently being conducted to determine the exact model of the missile used.
“One of the largest and well-known industrial complexes from the Soviet Union, which today produces missile technology and other weapons, was hit in the city of Dnipro in Ukraine,” Putin said in a live video address.
Russian Telegram channels reported earlier that the attack targeted the Pivdenmash plant, Ukraine's state-owned aerospace manufacturer located in Dnipro.
Putin stated that the strike was conducted in response to Ukraine's use of American and British long-range weapons against Russia. He mentioned that the attack tested a new Russian medium-range missile system called Oreshnik, which, in this instance, employed a ballistic missile equipped with "non-nuclear hypersonic" technology.
Putin said Russia is developing such missiles in "response to the US plans to produce and deploy intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.”
The Russian president stated that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which recently reached its 1,000th day, has gained "elements of a global nature" following the use of Western missiles to strike his country over the past two days.
He argued that Kyiv's long-range Western missiles would not influence its military actions in Ukraine.
Putin stated that the decision to deploy medium and shorter-range missiles will depend on the actions of the US and its allies. Furthermore, Moscow will notify civilians in advance when utilizing systems like the Oreshnik.
Putin stated that Russia is justified in using weapons against military targets of nations that are attacking Moscow. He emphasized that Russia's response to the escalation in Ukraine will be "decisive and proportional."
“I urge the ruling elites of countries planning military action against Russia to carefully consider their decisions,” he added.
Ukrainian authorities have not yet confirmed whether the Pivdenmash plant was struck during the attack.
