The world is becoming increasingly more dangerous. More wars could break out at any time.
And the Pentagon is on red alert after this foreign threat issues an ominous warning to the United States.
Putin Dares US to Test Its Defenses Against Russia’s Hypersonic Missile
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a bold challenge to the United States on Thursday, proposing a direct “duel” between the Kremlin’s new hypersonic ballistic missile and America’s defense systems.
Speaking at his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin ridiculed Western skepticism over the capabilities of the Oreshnik missile.
The weapon, which Russia claims can carry nuclear payloads, had faced doubts about its lethality following limited deployment in Ukraine.
Putin suggested the United States choose a target to defend and test whether its military technology could stop the Oreshnik in action.
“We’re ready for such an experiment,” he declared, asserting that Western defense systems “stand no chance.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed alarm over Putin’s challenge, calling it reckless.
“Do you think he is a sane person?” Zelensky asked reporters during a news conference later that day. He described the idea of two superpowers engaging in such a test as dangerously irrational.
The Oreshnik, named after the Russian word for hazel tree, reportedly builds on the design of Moscow’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile.
Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, the missile recently reached speeds of nearly 8,500 miles per hour during a test launch from Russia’s Astrakhan region, obliterating a military site in Dnipro.
With a range of 310 to 3,400 miles, the missile puts the entirety of Europe within striking distance.
Alongside his challenge to the US, Putin repeated his threats against Ukraine, warning that “decision-making centers” in Kyiv could be targeted in the ongoing war.
The ominous remarks came just days after Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s nuclear weapons program, died in a scooter explosion in Moscow.
Kirillov’s death marks the highest-ranking Russian official to be k*lled since the conflict began in February 2022.
Despite projecting confidence in Russia’s progress in the invasion, Putin hinted at the possibility of a cease-fire agreement. However, he placed the burden on the United States to push Kyiv toward negotiations.
Putin announced that he is ready for conversations with Trump administration about a cease-fire agreement. But he did note that Russia is in a strong position when it comes to bargaining.
“If I ever meet with the newly elected president, Mr. Trump, I am sure we’ll have something to talk about,” Putin said.
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