Putin threatens to target Kyiv ‘decision-making centres’ with new missile after US and UK-made weapons used in Russia – as it happened
GuardianNOV 2024
Putin Suggests Targeting Kyiv With New Hypersonic Missile
Above: Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow on Nov. 18, 2024. Image copyright: VYACHESLAV PROKOFYEV/Contributor/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
The strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure are justified responses to Kyiv's attacks on Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles. The deployment of the superior Oreshnik missile system would demonstrate Russia's technological advantage over NATO and could significantly alter the balance of power in the Ukraine conflict. Moscow would use all means at its disposal were Ukraine to ever get hold of nuclear weapons or NATO membership.
Anti-Russia narrative
The systematic attacks on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure during winter constitute war crimes and deliberately target the civilian population, leaving millions vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Putin's threat is a despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics. The West must immediately provide Ukraine with more air defense systems.