Putin's unannounced remarks escalate missile tensions
Vladimir Putin addressed the Russian public. His speech was not announced in advance. The leader stated that "ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles hit targets in Russia, striking facilities in the Kursk and Bryansk regions." He threatened Western countries and added that, for the first time, Russia launched a medium-range ballistic missile, "Oreshnik," at Ukraine.
Many reports provided by Russian state media or Kremlin officials may not be truthful. Such reports could be elements of an information war by the Russian Federation.
The unexpected and unannounced speech by Putin was related to the strikes deep into Russia. He claimed that on November 19, ATACMS missiles and on November 20, Storm Shadow systems struck targets in the Kursk and Bryansk regions. The targets allegedly were not hit, although Russian channels reported losses.
Putin threatens the West
According to Putin, "the conflict in Ukraine has acquired elements of a global character." In response to these strikes, Russia commenced combined attacks on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities.
Putin's cynical statement
Putin admitted that on Thursday morning, the Ukrainian city of Dnipro was attacked with the new "Oreshnik" system. This is claimed to be a medium-range ballistic missile. Putin claimed that modern Western air defence systems cannot intercept missiles travelling at speeds of approximately 9,700 to 11,000 kilometres per hour.
He announced further attacks on facilities that will be destroyed based on threats to the country using the latest Russian missile systems. Cynically, he stated that Russia would notify the civilian population in advance in the event of further use of these missiles so that they could evacuate.
Moscow ready "for all scenarios"
Vladimir Putin did not rule out using new missiles against countries that permitted Ukraine to attack Russian territory with their missiles. He declared that Moscow is prepared for all scenarios in this conflict.
He also warned that "we are also ready for any development. If anyone still doubts this, it is in vain. There will always be a response."
Just before Putin's speech, CNN, citing an American official, reported that the Russian Federation has only "a handful of these experimental missiles," one of which was launched at Dnipro.
