What's happened
On November 21, 2024, Russia launched an experimental missile, dubbed 'Oreshnik', targeting Dnipro, Ukraine. Initially thought to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), it is classified as an intermediate-range missile with potential nuclear capabilities. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the missile was initially misidentified as an ICBM, but U.S. officials clarified it is an experimental intermediate-range missile. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh noted its potential to be refitted for nuclear payloads. Business Insider UK highlighted that Putin claimed the missile is unstoppable, although similar claims about other Russian weaponry have proven exaggerated. Analysts suggest this missile could be a political strike aimed at deterring Western support for Ukraine, as noted by Jakub Janda from the European Values Center for Security Policy.
How we got here
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated since 2014, with increasing military engagements. Recent developments include Ukraine's use of Western-supplied missiles, prompting Russia to respond with advanced missile technology, including the experimental 'Oreshnik'.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Dnipro from 1926 until May 2016, is Ukraine's fourth-largest city, with about one million inhabitants. It is located in the eastern part of Ukraine, 391 kilometres (243 mi) southeast of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on the Dnieper River, after which it is na
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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