Putin Proposes Missile 'Duel' Targeting Kyiv, Drawing Sharp Rebuke from Zelenskyy

The Russian leader suggested testing the Oreshnik hypersonic missile against U.S.-made defenses, prompting Ukraine's president to condemn the idea as reckless and inhumane.

• Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a 'technological duel' using Russia's new Oreshnik hypersonic missile to test its capabilities against Western air defense systems.
• Putin suggested Kyiv as a target for the experiment, claiming it would be a useful test for both Russia and the United States to evaluate their military technologies.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced Putin's remarks, calling him a 'dumbass' and labeling the proposal as evidence of his disregard for human life.
• The Oreshnik missile, reportedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads and reaching speeds of Mach 10, was first used in November against a military facility in Dnipro.
• Putin's comments come as Russia faces criticism over its ongoing war in Ukraine, with the Russian leader expressing willingness to discuss a ceasefire with the incoming U.S. administration.

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