Kremlin’s showcasing of the hypersonic Oreshnik missile in the recent aggressive strike on Ukraine seems to be linked to the strategic maneuvering between Putin and Trump. Moscow justified the attack as retaliation for an alleged strike on President Putin’s residence by Ukraine, a claim denied by both Washington and Kyiv.
The dispute over the alleged attack has widened the gap between the Trump administration and Moscow, exacerbated by the US military’s interception of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera. Russia’s Ministry of Defence stated that the attack, resulting in casualties, was a response to what they described as a terrorist act by the Kyiv regime on the President’s residence.
Despite the accusation of terrorism, the use of the Oreshnik missile, among other weapons deployed in the assault, was likely symbolic and possibly not fully armed. While explosions were reported in Lviv, the emphasis on the hypersonic Oreshnik missile by Moscow appears to be significant, aiming to influence geopolitical dynamics.
President Putin’s strategic aim seems to be to widen the divide between the Trump administration and NATO, possibly to weaken the alliance. The focus on hypersonic missiles like Oreshnik raises concerns for the Pentagon regarding future threats. The rapid nature of hypersonic missiles poses challenges for existing defense systems, prompting the US to consider strategies for early detection and interception.
The attack on Ukraine caused widespread disruption and fear among the population, while the use of the Oreshnik missile could be seen as a subtle message to Trump, highlighting the strategic importance of Greenland. This situation adds strain to NATO relations, particularly between the UK and the US, as tensions escalate within the alliance.
The actions by the Russian leader may indicate a sense of urgency to rekindle divisions between the US and other NATO members, potentially driven by strategic motives.