Russia Claims Hypersonic Missile Strike in Ukraine Amid Escalating Tensions

Moscow, Russia - Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his forces used a new hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile to attack a Ukrainian military facility, as tensions escalated between the two nations.

In a nationwide TV address on Thursday, President Putin stated that the strike was a warning to Western nations arming Kyiv. He cited Ukraine's use of US and British-made long-range missiles to strike targets on internationally recognized Russian territory for the first time this week as the reason for the attack.

According to Putin, Russia conducted combat tests of the mid-range "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile system, not just a warning shot. The Russian president maintained that any country whose weapons are used against Russia can be targeted by Moscow.

However, earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Mr. Putin's forces of using Ukraine as a missile testing ground, saying the Oreshnik was "matching the speed and altitude of an intercontinental ballistic missile."

The incident marked the latest escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has seen a significant increase in tensions over the past week.

In response to Thursday's strike, Kyiv officials condemned the attack as an act of aggression. The international community, including NATO countries, have expressed concern about the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with some warning of a potential wider conflict.

The incident highlights the significant challenges facing peace negotiations in the region, as both sides appear dug in on their positions.