Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to continue testing an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, in combat conditions, despite international criticism. S

Speaking at a defense conference, Yesterday, Putin dismissed U.S. claims that Russia has only a limited number of the missiles, by asserting that the military has sufficient stock for further tests.

The Oreshnik (Hazel), reportedly a modified version of the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, was recently used to strike a rocket factory in Dnipro, Ukraine. Its air defence system could not intercept the projectile as it attacked at a speed of Mach 10 or 3 kilometres per second.

Ukrainian officials condemned the attack as an international crime while U.S. officials criticized the use of a nuclear-capable weapon but downplayed its strategic impact on the war. Russian missile commander Sergei Karakayev stated that the system could target sites across Europe.

On another hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a strong international response after Russia launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro on Thursday. In his recent address on social media, Zelenskyy urged world leaders to take firm action, saying that words alone are not enough.

He directed Ukraine’s defense minister to work with Western allies to secure advanced air defense systems to protect against these new threats. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to those supporting Ukraine but stressed the need for real action.

He said, the world must act strongly so that Putin fears escalating this war and faces real consequences. True peace can only come through strength. NATO and Ukraine are set to hold emergency talks on Tuesday to address the attack.