Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has made bold claims about Russia's newly tested "Oreshnik" missile system, stating it could deliver "unacceptable damage" to European capitals within minutes and cannot be intercepted by modern air defense systems.
Russia used an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile to strike a factory in Dnipro, Ukraine, according to an announcement from Russian President Vladimir Putin. While this test deployment featured conventional warheads, Medvedev's comments highlighted the system's potential nuclear capabilities.
"Bomb shelters will not help," warned Medvedev on Telegram, suggesting that European nations should "stop supporting the war" and rely on Russia's goodwill to provide advance warning of any launches.
The missile test has prompted serious concern among NATO allies, who have scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday to discuss the escalating situation and potential threats to European security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has challenged Medvedev's assertions about the missile's invulnerability. "The world has air defense systems capable of countering such threats," Zelensky stated, adding that Ukraine is working with Western partners to analyze fragments of the Oreshnik missile and develop countermeasures.
The missile launch appears to be Russia's response to Ukraine's recent authorization to use American and British missile systems against military targets within Russian territory. Putin warned that Russia would "respond decisively and in mirror-like manner" to any escalation of aggressive actions, indicating the potential for further deployments of the new weapon system.
Military analysts note that while hypersonic missiles present significant challenges for current air defense systems, Medvedev's claims about the weapon's invincibility may be overstated for political effect during the ongoing conflict.