Moscow, Nov 23 (V7N) — The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has entered a new and more complicated phase, particularly after the recent U.S. presidential election on November 5. With Donald Trump now president-elect and the Biden administration supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles and advanced landmines, tensions have significantly intensified.

For the first time since the war began, Ukraine has successfully targeted the Russian mainland using long-range missiles provided by the United States and the United Kingdom. However, Russia claims its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed the missiles before they could cause significant damage.

Putin Unveils Hypersonic "Orationic" Missile

Responding strongly to these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the readiness of a new missile, the Orationic hypersonic missile, capable of flying at ten times the speed of sound. In a televised address, Putin declared, "These missiles cannot be stopped by any air defense system. We have them ready for use."

The Russian leader revealed that the missiles were designed to counter Ukraine’s use of U.S. Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles. Following a successful test of the Orationic missile on Thursday, Putin held a meeting with top defense officials and the Russian Security Council, where he emphasized the importance of new missile development given the evolving threats.

Hours after Ukraine’s missile attacks on Russian territory, Moscow launched a powerful counterstrike on Dnipro using what Ukrainian officials suspect was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The attack caused massive explosions that lasted over three hours. If confirmed, this would mark the first battlefield use of an ICBM in history.

Ukraine has accused Russia of escalating the war with such advanced weaponry. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to deliver more sophisticated air defense systems, including the U.S.-manufactured THAAD and upgrades to existing Patriot systems, to counter the growing missile threat.

As fears of a broader conflict grow, experts are sounding alarms over the rapid militarization and deployment of cutting-edge technologies in the war. Justin Crump, CEO of risk advisory firm Sibyline, told the BBC that Russia’s hypersonic missiles could seriously undermine Ukraine’s air defense capabilities due to their unprecedented speed and maneuverability.

Meanwhile, Zelensky has urged world leaders to impose harsher sanctions on Moscow and hold Putin accountable for what he described as "war crimes." The U.S., United Kingdom, and NATO allies continue to support Ukraine with weapons, while also calling for a measured response to avoid further escalation.

As both sides escalate their missile capabilities and attacks, the risk of the conflict spilling beyond Ukraine’s borders is increasing. Putin’s warnings and Zelensky’s appeals suggest that the war is far from over, and its trajectory may depend on how swiftly international powers act to contain the situation.

END/RH/AJ