**Russia’s Strike on Dnipro was a Staged Propaganda Effort, Moscow Times Reports**
Russia’s strike on the city of Dnipro with a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) last month was not a real attack but rather a carefully staged stunt designed to scare off the West. According to four Russian official sources cited by The Moscow Times, the strike was part of a larger propaganda effort to intimidate Western leaders into submission.
**Putin’s Threats Exposed as Empty Words**
During his televised address on November 21, President Putin claimed that Russia had tested its “newest missile,” an IRBM called Oreshnik. However, experts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of mass-producing this weapon, citing Russia’s lack of technological capabilities. This undermines Putin’s later threat to strike “decision-making centers” in Kyiv with the new Oreshnik.
**Ukraine and West Strengthen Alliance**
Meanwhile, Ukraine and its Western allies continue to strengthen their alliance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the organization will do everything it can to provide Ukraine with air defenses necessary to protect its infrastructure. However, there is currently a shortage of such systems. Ukrainian officials have also expressed concerns about Russia’s plans to establish three training centers with Belarus to jointly train soldiers.
**Ukraine’s Financial and Military Situation**
The Ukrainian Finance Ministry has signed an agreement with the EU to attract up to 35 billion euros ($36.7 billion) as part of the G7 loan package. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also expressed her support for Ukraine’s NATO membership, which she believes is crucial for achieving long-term peace in the country.
**Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to worsen, with nearly 200 mental health facilities planned by the Health Ministry. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, including 1,670 Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
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