Russia "New Missile Means Response to Western Reckless Action"

Russia says the launch of a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) "Oresynik" into Ukraine was a response to Western reckless decisions and actions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a briefing today (22nd) that the key message is that Russia's response to reckless decisions and actions by Western countries that produce missiles and supply them to Ukraine and then participate in attacks on Russian territory.

Russia then said it had clearly demonstrated its capabilities, adding that it had also clarified further retaliatory measures if their concerns were not taken into account.

It also accused the incoming Biden administration of preferring to continue on the path of escalation, although Putin is open to contacts to de-escalate tensions and seek a path to peace.

Earlier in his address to the nation, Putin announced that he had attacked Ukraine with the latest hypersonic intermediate range ballistic missile named "Oresynik," saying whether he would launch further would depend on the security threat posed to Russia.