The war in Ukraine took a perilous turn this week as Russia launched its first nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile, targeting the city of Dnipro.
The strike, confirmed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, marks a significant escalation in the 33-month invasion and comes with dire warnings from Moscow about its readiness to confront the West.
In a hawkish address, Putin warned that Moscow might strike any country allowing Kyiv to attack Russian territory.
The launch of the Oreshkin missile—a new type of ballistic weapon—was described by Putin as a response to U.S. and U.K. approval for Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russia.
Putin’s warning included a veiled threat to NATO, signaling that Moscow is prepared for “any scenario.” Kremlin officials claim the message was “understood” by the United States, raising concerns about further escalation in the already fraught conflict.
The threat of additional Russian missile strikes prompted Ukrainian authorities to shutter parliament on Friday.
The central government district in Kyiv, which includes the presidency, parliament, and other key institutions, has largely been spared from attacks.
However, heightened security concerns led to the cancellation of parliamentary sessions and a shift to remote work for lawmakers.
“There are signals of an increased risk of attacks on the government district in the coming days,” said MP Yevgenia Kravchuk.
Despite the threats, the presidency assured that its operations would continue under strict security protocols.
The growing risk also prompted several embassies, including those of the U.S., to temporarily close earlier in the week, citing concerns over potential Russian strikes.
The missile strike on Dnipro, which reportedly targeted an aerospace manufacturing facility, drew swift condemnation from Western leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeled the use of the Oreshkin missile as a “terrible escalation,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a strong international response.
In Dnipro, residents expressed fear over the strike, which damaged a rehabilitation center and nearby buildings.
“Of course I am afraid. Anything can happen,” said 66-year-old resident Vladimir Riga.
The incident has also drawn calls for calm from Russia’s allies, including China, as concerns grow about the war’s broader implications.
Diplomatic efforts to address the escalation are set to continue next week when NATO and Ukrainian officials meet in Brussels.
However, analysts warn that the conflict is rapidly entering a new, more dangerous phase.
Putin’s claims of advances in eastern Ukraine, including the capture of Novodmytrivka in the Donetsk region, suggest that Moscow is seeking to solidify its position on the battlefield ahead of potential changes in U.S. policy.
Observers note that Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 could bring unpredictable shifts in the international response to the war.
As the war intensifies, Putin’s assertion that the conflict has taken on “elements of a global character” underscores its far-reaching implications. With both sides racing to secure strategic advantages, the stakes have never been higher.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can de-escalate the conflict or if the world will witness further escalation in what has become one of the most volatile geopolitical crises of the 21st century.