Ukraine has escalated its calls for advanced air defence systems following a Russian missile strike on Dnipro that showcased the Kremlin’s latest hypersonic weaponry. On November 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for cutting-edge defences against the “Oreshnik” missile, which Russia claims is invulnerable to current air defence systems. This development marks a significant escalation in the conflict, which has already been characterized by its high-tech warfare and international implications.

The “Oreshnik” missile represents a leap in Russia’s missile technology. Boasting hypersonic speeds, the missile is reportedly capable of evading all existing air defence systems while carrying a potentially nuclear payload. Russian officials have described it as unparalleled globally, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.

The attack on Dnipro underscored the strategic shift in Russia’s approach, using advanced weaponry to target civilian and military infrastructure. For Ukraine, the missile highlights the growing technological disparity, prompting Kyiv to seek immediate international support.

President Zelensky, in his evening address, confirmed that Ukraine’s defence minister is actively engaging with Western allies to secure upgraded air defence systems capable of countering hypersonic threats. “Exactly the kind of systems that can protect lives from new risks,” he said, underlining the urgent nature of the request.

Ukraine has already received significant Western military aid, including the US-supplied Patriot systems and UK’s Sky Sabre. However, experts suggest that these systems may not be sufficient against the “Oreshnik” missile due to its speed and maneuverability. NATO’s most advanced systems, such as THAAD and Aegis, could potentially intercept hypersonic missiles, but their deployment in Ukraine would signal a new phase of Western involvement.

Western nations face a dilemma in responding to Ukraine’s latest plea. While the provision of advanced air defence systems is crucial for Ukraine’s survival, it risks further escalation with Russia. Moscow has consistently framed the supply of Western arms as direct participation in the conflict, warning of potential retaliatory strikes on NATO member states.

NATO countries, while vocally supporting Ukraine, must weigh the risks of provoking Moscow. The deployment of hypersonic defence systems could lead to broader geopolitical repercussions, with Russia likely to interpret such a move as an existential threat.

Zelensky’s address also took aim at Russia’s allies, particularly China, for their restrained response to Moscow’s missile launch. China’s foreign ministry called for “calm and restraint,” a position Zelensky criticized as enabling further Russian aggression. He accused Russia of mocking such calls for moderation, urging the international community to adopt a firmer stance.

China’s position reflects a broader trend among Global South countries, which have largely avoided taking sides in the conflict. While many have condemned the humanitarian consequences of the war, they remain cautious about alienating Moscow, a key trade and energy partner. This neutrality, according to Zelensky, undermines global efforts to hold Russia accountable.

The urgency in Kyiv’s requests also stems from shifting geopolitical timelines. With Donald Trump set to assume the US presidency in January, both Ukraine and Russia are scrambling to secure battlefield advantages. Trump has repeatedly criticized American military aid to Ukraine and expressed his desire to broker a peace deal “within hours,” although details of such a plan remain unclear.

For Ukraine, this looming deadline heightens the pressure to achieve tangible military gains or secure robust defensive capabilities before US policy potentially shifts. For Russia, the period represents an opportunity to solidify its positions and push for concessions under a potentially more Russia-sympathetic administration in Washington.

The conflict’s latest developments raise profound questions about global security and NATO’s role. The Kremlin’s assertion that NATO countries are legitimate targets for strikes highlights the precariousness of the alliance’s involvement. Any retaliatory action by Russia against NATO territory could trigger Article 5, plunging the region into a broader war.

Moreover, the introduction of hypersonic weapons into the conflict could signal the dawn of a new arms race, with nations scrambling to develop countermeasures. The US, China, and other major powers have already invested heavily in hypersonic technology, and Russia’s deployment of the “Oreshnik” may accelerate these efforts.

As Ukraine faces an evolving and increasingly dangerous battlefield, its reliance on Western support remains critical. The introduction of hypersonic missiles by Russia not only escalates the conflict but also underscores the stakes for global security. Zelensky’s appeals for advanced air defence systems highlight the urgent need for international unity in countering this threat.

However, the global community’s response remains uncertain, marked by competing interests and fears of escalation. As the conflict approaches its third year, the choices made in the coming weeks could have far-reaching consequences, shaping not only the outcome of the war but also the geopolitical landscape for decades to come.

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