Russia launches new hypersonic Oreshnik missile in response to Ukraine strikes
Russia has launched a new hypersonic missile called "Oreshnik" against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. President Vladimir Putin stated this action was in response to Ukraine's use of U.S. and British missiles. The "Oreshnik" missile is said to travel at ten times the speed of sound and has a range of 5,000 km, allowing strikes across much of Europe and parts of the U.S. It can carry multiple warheads, according to Russian military sources. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the missile strike as a severe escalation. The U.S. confirmed it was notified of the launch but clarified that the missile does not qualify as an intercontinental ballistic missile.