Dnipro: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s deployment of a new ballistic missile against Dnipro serves as further evidence that Moscow is not interested in pursuing peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia targeted a plant in Dnipro using a new medium-range ballistic missile system known as Oreshnik, equipped with “non-nuclear hypersonic” capabilities.
According to Anadolu Agency, Russian Telegram channels reported that the attack specifically targeted the Pivdenmash plant, Ukraine’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer located in Dnipro. Zelenskyy expressed on X that the use of such a missile signifies a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has now reached its 1,000th day.
Zelenskyy characterized the missile strike as Russia’s ‘second step toward escalation’ this year, with the first being reports of North Korea sending troops to support Russia’s military efforts. He criticized Putin for ignoring international calls to prevent further expansion
of the war, including appeals from nations like China, Brazil, European countries, and the United States.
The Ukrainian president reiterated Kyiv’s right to employ long-range Western weaponry, arguing that it is justified under international law. He emphasized Ukraine’s sovereign right to self-defense, akin to any other nation, and called for a global response to Russia’s actions. Zelenskyy warned that a lack of international reactions could signal to Putin that such actions are permissible.
Zelenskyy urged for immediate action and pressure on Russia to enforce a genuine peace, emphasizing that strength is the only path to achieving it. He warned that without decisive intervention, Russian aggression would persist, posing threats and destabilization not only to Ukraine but potentially to other regions as well.