Ukraine’s parliament suspended its session on Friday, citing heightened threats of a potential Russian missile strike following President Vladimir Putin’s launch of a new intermediate-range missile into Ukraine.
The Kremlin escalated its 33-month-long invasion with its first deployment of a nuclear-capable mid-range ballistic missile, targeting the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday.
The missile, referred to as the Oreshkin, struck an aerospace manufacturing facility and caused significant damage, sparking condemnation from Kyiv’s allies.
In a fiery address, Putin warned that Moscow reserved the right to strike nations enabling Kyiv to attack Russian territory.
“We are ready for any scenario,” he declared.
The Kremlin later claimed that Putin’s message had been “understood” by the United States, highlighting rising global tensions.
NATO and Ukrainian officials are set to convene in Brussels next Tuesday to discuss the escalation, diplomatic sources told AFP.
In Kyiv, the parliament canceled its usual Friday session amid fears of an attack on the government district, home to critical institutions including the presidency and the central bank.
MP Yevgenia Kravchuk explained, “There are signals of an increased risk of attacks on the government district in the coming days.”
Although the presidency assured that operations were continuing under strict security measures, the growing threat has added to concerns following the recent closure of multiple embassies, including those of the United States, citing fears of Russian strikes.
On the front lines, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov claimed significant progress in eastern Ukraine, stating, “We have derailed the entire 2025 campaign,” referencing Kyiv’s planned military operations.
Russia also announced the capture of Novodmytrivka, a frontline village in the Donetsk region.
Observers suggest Moscow and Kyiv are scrambling to gain strategic advantages ahead of January 2025, when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to end the war, is set to take office.
The missile strike in Dnipro has drawn widespread condemnation.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russia’s actions a “terrible escalation,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged world leaders to respond decisively to Russia’s use of the new weapon.
In Dnipro, residents expressed shock at the attack.
Local worker Vladimir Riga, 66, described witnessing the explosion and noted damage to a rehabilitation center.
“Of course, I am afraid.
Anything can happen,” he said.
Russian allies, including China, have called for calm as the conflict threatens to escalate further.
Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities such as Sumy and Kramatorsk have resulted in additional civilian casualties, underscoring the ongoing devastation caused by the war.
The situation remains highly volatile, with Ukraine bracing for further strikes and diplomatic efforts intensifying to address the latest escalation.
AFP
