Putin Threatens Attacks On Western Countries

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is becoming increasingly complex, drawing indirect involvement from numerous other countries. Amid this escalating scenario, Russian President Vladimir Putin has identified "global war" characteristics in the conflict and has warned of potential attacks on Western nations if deemed necessary.

Escalation of Attacks

Using long-range missiles supplied by Western nations, Ukraine carried out strikes on Russian territory last Tuesday and Wednesday. In response, Russia launched a missile attack on the Dnipro region in Ukraine on Thursday using a new type of missile. Initially suspected to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Moscow later clarified that it was a new-generation hypersonic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, according to Putin.

Earlier, Putin had warned that permitting attacks on Russian territory would have dire consequences. Ignoring his warnings, the United States escalated tensions, prompting Putin to openly state that he would not rule out the possibility of striking Western nations.

Western Support and Russia’s Retaliation

Western allies, particularly the U.S. and the U.K., have kept Ukraine militarily afloat during the 33-month-long war by providing substantial support. Putin claimed that Russia's air defense systems intercepted U.S. and U.K. missiles before they could hit their targets, asserting that their enemies failed to achieve their objectives. He further suggested that Moscow might consider targeting military facilities in countries that allow their weapons to be used against Russia.

According to Putin, the missile used in Thursday's attack was named **"Oreshenik"**, a medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile. However, U.S. and NATO sources identified it as a medium-range ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 5,500 kilometers away.

International Reactions

Russia's missile attack on Dnipro has alarmed Ukraine's allies. The European Union and the U.K. strongly condemned the attack. NATO is set to meet with Ukraine in Brussels next Tuesday to discuss the situation. A NATO spokesperson downplayed the significance of the missile attack, stating that it would not alter the course of the war or hinder NATO's support for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, reports in British media suggest that Ukraine used U.K.-supplied long-range **"Storm Shadow"** missiles to carry out the strikes on Russia. Following this, Russia’s ambassador to the U.K., Andrei Kelin, told *Sky News* that the U.K.'s actions have made it directly involved in the conflict.

Developments on the Ground

As winter approaches, Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine over the past two weeks. Russia is also advancing in Ukraine’s eastern regions, claiming to have captured several villages. On Thursday, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced the capture of the key village of Dalne in the Donetsk region.

While Ukraine has not confirmed the capture of Dalne, its military reported that Russia attempted 26 assaults in the past 24 hours to breach defenses in seven villages, including Dalne. Fighting is currently ongoing in 10 to 16 locations within the village.

War Timeline and Current Status

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, initially aiming for a swift capture of Kyiv. Failing in this objective, Russia shifted its focus to the eastern Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk. Over the past two months, Russia has made significant gains in this region. Currently, Russia controls 20% of Ukraine’s territory.

Recent Drone Attack

As part of its continued eastern offensive, Russia launched a drone attack today, Friday, on the city of Sumy. Regional authorities reported that the early morning strike damaged several buildings and three vehicles, resulting in two deaths and 12 injuries.