### Putin Announces Deployment of New Hypersonic Missiles Amid Escalating Conflict

Russia has bolstered its military capabilities with a stock of new powerful missiles, President Vladimir Putin announced. This declaration follows Russia's recent ballistic missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. During an unplanned televised speech, Putin introduced the Oreshnik missile, boasting that it is impervious to interception. He further promised additional tests, including those under "combat conditions."

The Oreshnik's deployment marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, coinciding with Ukraine's use of US and British missiles to target Russian sites. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for global leaders to impose severe consequences on Putin in response. He emphasized the urgency of acquiring advanced air defense systems from Western allies, specifying interest in the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) or upgraded Patriot systems.

In his address, Putin highlighted that the Oreshnik missile can travel at speeds ten times the speed of sound and directed its mass production. This development is purportedly a reaction to Ukraine's recent usage of Storm Shadow and Atacms missiles. The missile strike on Dnipro on Thursday was particularly unusual, triggering explosions that lasted for hours. Ukrainian officials described the missile involved as having the destructive power akin to an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Experts, including Justin Crump from Sibylline, have interpreted this strike as a potential warning from Moscow. Crump noted that the Oreshnik missile's advanced speed and capabilities could significantly challenge Ukraine's air defenses. The situation has elicited warnings from world leaders, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressing concerns over the war's trajectory and the risk of a broader conflict. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also warned of an unprecedented nuclear threat, attributing this to what he termed the US' "aggressive and hostile" policies.

North Korea has been actively involved in the conflict, reportedly sending thousands of troops to support Russia. Ukrainian forces have engaged North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk region. In response to this development, US President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to deploy longer-range Atacms missiles against targets within Russia.

Both Russia and Ukraine are maneuvering to secure strategic advantages before Donald Trump potentially takes office as US President in January. Zelensky, in his nightly address, criticized China's restrained response to Russia's new missile, suggesting it undermines calls for moderation from nations of the Global South. He also rebuked the Ukrainian parliament for postponing a session due to security concerns, urging continuous diligence unless air raid alarms necessitate immediate action.

Satellite imagery has confirmed numerous visits by North Korean tankers to Russia since March, indicating deepening military ties. With Russia making rapid advancements, the international community closely watches the evolving dynamics and the implications of potential policy changes under future US leadership.