Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on August 1 that the Oreshnik hypersonic missile system has officially completed its first mass production phase and has been mobilized into the army.
This information was given at a press conference on the situation of the military campaign in Ukraine, marking a major turning point in Russia's strategic arsenal. Mr. Putin said that the first Oreshnik missiles have been transferred to the Russian army and are ready for combat.
Previously, in November last year, Russia conducted the first practical test of the Oreshnik by attacking a military factory in Ukraine. International military analysts said that this was an action "both experimental and deterrent", proving the practical capability of the new weapons system.
The Russian Oreshnik hypersonic missile is said to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, but President Putin has affirmed that even its regular version has the destructive power equivalent to a small nuclear explosion. This puts the Oreshnik in the group of tactical weapons capable of changing the situation on the battlefield without the need for nuclear.
Mr. Putin revealed the possibility that the Oreshnik missile system will be transferred to Belarus before the end of this year. Military experts from the two countries are coordinating to prepare the deployment location and related technical factors.
This move not only increases regional military power but also makes the West particularly concerned, in the context of still- tensous NATO-Russia relations. Belarus' ability to possess strategic hypersonic weapons is considered a bold move, approaching the nuclear deterrent theory.
Also at the press conference, President Putin affirmed that Russian forces are gaining advantage and advancing along the entire front line, including the border areas, the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, as well as the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces controlled by Russia.
Mr. Putin emphasized that this victory was thanks to the "courage and bravery" of Russian soldiers, especially the control of Chasov Yar - an important stronghold of Ukraine in the Donetsk region.
Despite affirming that the Russian army is achieving many victories, Mr. Putin still emphasized that Moscow is always ready for negotiations. Communications are always necessary and important, especially when it is based on a true spirit of peace, he said.
Recently, Russia and Ukraine had a third round of direct talks in Istanbul (Türkiye), lasting about 40 minutes. The two sides agreed to exchange prisoners, bodies of soldiers and civilians who died. Russia also proposed the establishment of three online working groups to quickly resolve political, military and humanitarian issues.
