**Russia Uses New Missile to Attack Ukraine**
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a new missile was used to attack the city of Dnipro in eastern Ukraine on Thursday morning. The missile, called Oreshnik, is an intermediate-range conventional missile.
Putin claimed that the use of this missile was a response to Ukraine’s use of US and UK long-range missiles to hit targets inside Russia. He also warned that Russia could attack military facilities of countries that allowed their weapons to be used in such a way.
**Ukraine Calls it “Clear Escalation”**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia’s use of the new missile was a clear escalation of the conflict. He accused Putin of prolonging the war and spitting on those who want peace.
**Western Response**
The US National Security Council said that an experimental medium-range ballistic missile was used against Ukraine, but it would not change the course of the war. The Pentagon also said that Russia notified them briefly before launching the missile through nuclear risk reduction channels.
**Putin Warns West**
Putin warned the West that Russia is ready for any developments and will respond to any actions taken by other countries. He also claimed that there was no way to counteract this new missile, which can reach speeds of 10 Mach (2.5-3km/s).
**Military Experts React**
Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at Rusi, said that the use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile may not have huge military significance but is symbolically important. He noted that Russia has a wider arsenal of different and larger missile types.
The war in Ukraine entered its 1,000th day on Tuesday and appears to be entering a new phase with increased tensions between Russia and the West.