These threats were expressed at the CSTO meeting in Astana and at the subsequent press conference. The Russian dictator claimed that the missile was capable of destroying even deeply protected objects, turning everything in the epicenter of the explosion into “dust.”
However, the world media and analysts value these statements as another element of intimidation aimed at forcing the West to moderate. This is how international publications reacted to the new threats from the Kremlin.
cnn
The American television channel believes that Putin’s threats are an attempt to influence the West and limit its aid to Ukraine. The material notes that every time the West agreed to provide Ukraine with new weapons, Russia’s threats were not translated into reality. CNN analysts, including former NATO Center director William Alburke, believe the likelihood of these threats being carried out is minimal, especially given the expectation of a change of administration in the United States. According to experts, Russia is not interested in actions that could provoke direct intervention by NATO or the United States in the conflict.
the guardian
The British publication believes that kyiv, which has powerful air defense systems, is unlikely to become an easy target for the Russian Oreshnik missile. Journalists speculate that Putin could use this threat as a means of political pressure, especially in anticipation of the rise to power of Donald Trump, whom the Kremlin considers a potential ally. The publication draws attention to Putin’s attempts to create a favorable impression of himself in the eyes of the US president-elect, including through complimentary comments directed at him.
Washington Post
The American newspaper links Putin’s rhetoric to recent large-scale attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The publication notes that the Russian leader’s statements only increased Ukrainians’ skepticism about Trump’s ability to quickly end the war, as promised. The material underlines that Moscow’s threatening statements contradict its true willingness to negotiate.
The Figaro
The French publication focuses on the “nuclear” statements of Putin, who stated that the power of the Oreshnik missiles is comparable to that of nuclear weapons. The publication quotes the words of Vladimir Zelensky, who called on allies not to succumb to threats, and also reminds that so far Russian attacks have rarely hit key government buildings in kyiv thanks to effective air defense.
Financial times
The newspaper highlighted in its headline Putin’s threats to “destroy” Ukrainian targets. The publication notes that, in the context of these threats, Russia used cluster munitions to attack Ukraine’s energy sector. It is also highlighted that Putin’s statements are aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear, but their implementation seems unlikely.
bbc
The British Broadcasting Corporation reminds that Russia probably only has a limited number of experimental Oreshnik missiles. According to US officials, Moscow will need considerable time to mass produce them. This casts doubt on whether the threats will be carried out in the near future.
General conclusions
Most international media see Putin’s statements as a political game and a way to put pressure on the West and Ukraine. Experts agree that the real threat from Oreshnik missiles remains low, especially given the uncertain political situation in the United States and Russia’s growing military attrition.
Previously, Kursor wrote that Putin today threatens to attack the “decision-making centers” in kyiv.
Putin compared the Oreshnik impact to the effect of a meteorite fall.
