Putin’s reaction to the proposal of launching Oreshnik missiles at Kiev’s center of power sparks global concern and intense speculation over Russia’s next move.
Russian President Putin did not authorize an attack with Oreshnik hypersonic missiles on the Office of the President of Ukraine on Bankova Street, Kiev.
Putin Denies Possibility of Using Oreshnik Missiles to Target Ukrainian Presidential Office
Speaking in a conversation with journalists on August 22, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko revealed that Putin had received a proposal to use Oreshnik missiles to attack the Ukrainian Presidential Office (where Ukrainian President Zelensky works).
“The Belarusian President shared some stories that have never been revealed. For example, there was a proposal to use Oreshnik missiles to target Bankova Street. But Russian President Putin immediately rejected it: ‘Absolutely not!’”, the Telegram news channel Pul Pervogo (Belarus) posted. This channel is affiliated with the Press Service of Belarusian President Lukashenko.
In the new interview, Mr. Lukashenko also noted that the Russian army is “advancing on the entire front line” and the current situation is “very dangerous” for Ukraine.
According to Mr. Lukashenko, Ukraine needs to resolve the crisis soon and China can be a security guarantor for the country.
“When it comes to security guarantees, people often talk about permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, such as the United States and China. Some European powers, although not members of the Security Council, can also provide security guarantees,” Mr. Lukashenko said.
Regarding Ukrainian President Zelensky’s refusal to let China guarantee Ukraine’s security, Mr. Lukashenko said that Mr. Zelensky should stop blaming and should “consider carefully” before making “thoughtless” statements.
In November 2024, Russia tested the Oreshnik missile (without an explosive warhead) in combat by attacking a military-industrial facility in Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the Oreshnik missile reaches a speed of Mach 11 (more than 13,600 km/h) in the final stage of its journey and is extremely difficult to intercept.
On August 1, Mr. Putin said that the Oreshnik hypersonic missile systems, which are said to be impossible to intercept, are being mass-produced in Russia.