Heightened Tensions: Russia’s New Hypersonic Missile Strikes Ukraine Amid Global War Concerns

Global Tensions Rise with Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Concerns grow about a potential global war as Russia intensifies its military actions against Ukraine. Reportedly, on Thursday, Russia launched medium-range hypersonic ballistic missiles targeting Ukraine. This escalation follows the U.S. granting Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles, specifically the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the advanced UK weapon, Storm Shadow.

ATACMS, developed by Lockheed Martin during the Cold War, can strike targets up to 300 kilometers away and carries a warhead weighing 226 kilograms. Storm Shadow is designed to penetrate bunkers and ammunition depots.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a televised address that Moscow had attacked Ukrainian military facilities using a new ballistic missile called “Oreshnik.” He warned that further actions could follow, accusing the West of provoking the conflict. Putin emphasized that Russia is ready for any scenario in its confrontation with Kyiv and the U.S. and stated, “We reserve the right to use our weapons against the military facilities of countries that allow their weapons to be used against us.”

Additionally, Putin reiterated that Ukraine’s attacks on Russian territory with ATACMS and Storm Shadow have failed. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to use these missiles to strike Russian areas after months of pressure from Kyiv. Biden’s decision coincides with Trump’s impending return to power, provoking speculation about future U.S. military support for Ukraine.

Russia responded to the U.S. decision by stating that the use of such weapons indicates direct participation by Washington in the conflict, potentially escalating to World War III. Russian parliament member Maria Butina criticized the Biden administration, claiming it heightens tensions unnecessarily.

U.S. officials disclosed that Russia had informed them of the missile strikes shortly before they occurred. They also indicated that Ukraine had been prepared for possible missile use from recent briefings.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), weapons intended for nuclear strikes, although the U.S. clarified that these were medium-range ballistic missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged the new characteristics of the Russian missiles, which were aimed at the Dnipro region in central-eastern Ukraine.

This situation reflects the ongoing volatility in the region, with both sides ramping up military capabilities and rhetoric. As tensions rise, the potential for further conflict increases, drawing in more nations and heightening fears of an expanded war.