Nov 23, (V7N) - Ukraine is urgently requesting upgraded air defence systems from its Western allies after Russia's launch of a new hypersonic missile, the "Oreshnik," which has been touted by Moscow as unstoppable by current air defence technology. This missile is seen as a major escalation in the ongoing war, with experts speculating that it could carry nuclear warheads and travel several thousand kilometers, further increasing the threat to Ukraine and its allies.

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for advanced systems capable of countering such missiles, highlighting that Ukraine's defense minister is already engaging with partners on potential solutions. The missile launch coincided with a Ukrainian milestone—its first use of shorter-range missiles, provided by the U.S. and U.K., against Russian territory. This move has escalated tensions, with Russia now viewing NATO countries as direct participants in the conflict, a claim that could potentially justify retaliatory strikes against military targets in those nations.

Zelensky also criticized China for its measured response to Russia's new missile, urging stronger international action to deter further escalation. Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine are racing to gain an upper hand ahead of the potential shift in U.S. leadership with the inauguration of Donald Trump in January, who has suggested he could broker a peace deal quickly but remains critical of continued American support for Ukraine.

END/WD/RH/