Putin announces completion of first mass-production Oreshnik
Russia battle-tested the new hypersonic missile in November by conducting a strike on a military factory in Ukraine. The Oreshnik missile is believed to be nuclear-capable, although Putin had previously stated its conventional form can inflict damage comparable to a low-yield nuclear explosion.
The first mass produced Oreshnik hypersonic missile system has entered service with Russia's armed forces, President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday during a briefing on the state of the military operation in Ukraine.Russia battle-tested the new hypersonic missile in November by conducting a strike on a military factory in Ukraine. The Oreshnik missile is believed to be nuclear-capable, although Putin had previously stated its conventional form can inflict damage comparable to a low-yield nuclear explosion.
Putin ordered the serial production of the hypersonic missile system following a successful field test last year.
Now, the first mass produced Orenshik missile has been completed and has already been delivered to Russian forces, the president announced during Friday's briefing.He also noted that the question of supplying Oreshnik missiles to Belarus will likely be resolved by the end of the year, adding that specialists from both countries are now working on preparing positions for the system's future deployment.
Putin also announced that Russian forces are advancing along the entire conflict front line, including in the border zone, the Donetsk and Lugansk Republics, as well as in Russia's Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. The president attributed the success to the courage and heroism of Russian soldiers.
Commenting on Russia's recent liberation of Chasov Yar, formerly a pivotal Ukrainian stronghold in Donetsk Region, Putin stressed that Moscow is taking back what is its own, not seizing foreign territory.
The Russian president reiterated that Moscow remains open to negotiations, stating that they are 'always in demand and always important, especially if it is based on a desire for peace.'
Last month, Russia and Ukraine conducted their third round of direct negotiations in Istanbul, Türkiye. The meeting lasted about 40 minutes after which the two sides agreed to exchange prisoners of war and the bodies of slain soldiers and civilians. Russia also proposed the creation of three online working groups to more swiftly resolve political, military and humanitarian issues.
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