A Russian official has made a concerning statement directed at NATO, cautioning that major western cities are vulnerable to Moscow’s advanced hypersonic weaponry. Aleksey Aleksandrovich Zhuravlyov emphasized the capability of these new weapons to strike targets in key Western locations unimpededly. This warning comes in the wake of Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik missile in Ukraine.
Zhuravlyov, in a post on Telegram referencing a story in a German publication about Russian actions in Ukraine, declared that the recent attack using the Oreshnik missile had sent a strong message to the EU and NATO. The strike on the Lviv region on January 8 showcased the devastating impact of the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, which can travel at hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 10 and carry a nuclear payload.
The missile’s impressive range of around 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) puts a vast portion of European capitals, NATO bases, and critical infrastructure within potential striking distance, as highlighted in the German article. Zhuravlyov reiterated that Moscow’s new hypersonic weapons pose a significant challenge to the defense capabilities of Western capitals and alliance military installations.
Furthermore, Zhuravlyov, a member of Russia’s Duma parliament known for his provocative statements, previously urged Putin to respond aggressively to US actions by using torpedoes to target American Coast Guard vessels. He criticized what he labeled as piracy by the armed forces of the American navy in seizing Russian tankers.
In summary, the Russian official’s remarks underscore the growing concerns surrounding Moscow’s advanced weaponry and the potential implications for international security.
