As the Ukraine War approaches its fourth year, the UN and several Security Council members have raised alarms about Russia’s recent escalation. Russia deployed a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile near the NATO border with Poland, sparking worries among officials. The missile, known as the Oreshnik system, is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, intensifying fears over its deployment.
This marks the second instance since 2004 that this powerful weapon has been launched towards Ukraine. The Oreshnik is an intermediate-range ballistic missile with the ability to transport nuclear payloads at speeds reaching 2,300 kilometers per hour, about ten times the speed of sound. The missile struck targets in Lviv, Ukraine, on a recent Friday, causing significant concern among global leaders.
Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, highlighted the missile’s capabilities, emphasizing the lack of current air defense against the Oreshnik. The missile deployment occurred as the US and European nations escalated peace efforts, underscoring Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s role in the conflict. The US Deputy Permanent Representative, Tammy Bruce, condemned the missile launch as a dangerous escalation of the ongoing war.
Britain’s Deputy Permanent Representative, James Kariuki, echoed these sentiments, expressing concerns over the regional and international security implications of the missile deployment. The UN Security Council convened following a massive attack by Russia using missiles and drones, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The attacks, which targeted infrastructure and civilians, exacerbated the challenges faced by Ukrainians amid harsh winter conditions.
