Putin Escalates Missile Tests Amid Rising Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to continue testing and begin mass production of the hypersonic Oreshnik missile following its use in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The missile, reportedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads and reaching speeds of Mach 10, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Putin emphasized that further tests will be conducted in 'combat conditions' as a response to security threats against Russia. The Ukrainian government, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, has condemned the use of this missile as an 'international crime' and is seeking enhanced air-defense systems from allies. While the United States downplayed the missile's impact on the war, Russia's move has heightened international tensions, with China calling for restraint. The launch has also affected Russia's economy, with the ruble dropping to its lowest level against the US dollar since March 2022.