Russian President Vladimir Putin has heightened tensions by threatening the use of Oreshnik missiles on Kyiv, claiming these intermediate-range weapons are unstoppable by current air defense systems. During a press conference in Kazakhstan, he suggested that deploying multiple strikes with these missiles could yield destructive results comparable to nuclear weapons, although he noted that the missiles are not armed with nuclear payloads at this time. He further described the kinetic impact as being as powerful as a meteorite, alluding to historical calamities caused by such events.

This latest assertion comes in response to the U.S., U.K., and France's decision to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles, which Kyiv has been seeking for some time. Despite Kyiv's robust air defense mechanisms that have historically protected it from significant attacks, Putin's rhetoric is causing alarm in the Ukrainian capital, leading to the cancellation of a parliamentary session. Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak dismissed Putin's claims regarding the Oreshnik missiles as unfounded and characterized them as a rebranding of existing Russian military technology. Podolyak asserted that such fears were unfounded and depicted them as mere fiction.

Moreover, while Russian state media has celebrated the perceived accomplishments represented by Oreshnik missiles, comparisons have been made to dubious historical claims around Soviet military advancements. In a lighthearted yet evasive response, Putin was asked about potential military strikes in Kyiv and resorted to a Soviet-era joke that downplayed the seriousness of the question. Analysts believe that Putin may be leveraging these threats for geopolitical maneuvering, particularly as the United States prepares for a leadership transition with Donald Trump potentially assuming office.

The day of the press conference, Russian forces resumed missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, primarily targeting its energy infrastructure and contributing to widespread power outages affecting over a million households. As Ukraine faces the looming threat of further assaults during the winter months, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the urgent need to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, reiterating that America stands firmly with the Ukrainian people.

Despite Kyiv's resolve, there is a growing concern about war fatigue and the potential emergence of new negotiations with Russia, especially with Trump's anticipated presidency. However, Ukrainian officials assert that any discussions must reflect strength and not capitulation to Russia's demands. Col. Keith Kellogg, recently appointed as Trump's envoy for Russia and Ukraine, has made it clear that while peace negotiations are necessary, they can only proceed if Ukraine maintains a position of strength, potentially escalating losses if an agreement isn't reached.