Ukraine’s parliament in Kyiv was shuttered on Friday, citing fears of a potential Russian missile strike following President Vladimir Putin’s provocative actions and warnings to Western nations.
The decision came a day after Russia launched its first nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile, dubbed “Oreshnik,” at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The missile reportedly targeted an aerospace manufacturing plant, sparking widespread condemnation from Kyiv’s allies and raising concerns of further escalation.
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Putin’s Warning and Escalation in Eastern Ukraine
In a fiery address, Putin asserted Moscow’s right to strike nations supporting Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. The Kremlin later claimed the U.S. had “understood” Putin’s warning, while NATO and Ukrainian officials are set to convene in Brussels next week to address the heightened tensions.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov declared progress in the eastern Donetsk region, stating that Moscow’s forces had “accelerated” advances and “derailed” Kyiv’s military plans for 2025. Russia announced the capture of Novodmytrivka, a village 10 kilometers north of the contested city of Kurakhove.
Parliament Shuts Down Amid Missile Fears
In Kyiv, the government district, which includes the presidency and other critical offices, heightened security measures. Parliament canceled its Friday session, with MPs working remotely due to signals of an “increased risk of attacks,” according to MP Yevgenia Kravchuk.
Despite the threats, Ukraine’s presidential office assured operations were continuing as usual with standard security protocols in place.
Global and Domestic Reactions
The missile strike on Dnipro prompted shock among residents and strong reactions from the international community. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack as a “terrible escalation,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for decisive action from world leaders in response to Russia’s use of advanced weaponry.
In Moscow, officials attributed the missile strike to a strategic shift, claiming the new weapon was part of a broader effort to pressure Western nations and regain battlefield momentum.
Casualties and Continuing Conflict
Meanwhile, Russian strikes killed three civilians in Ukraine’s Sumy and Donetsk regions, local authorities reported. Kyiv continues to face relentless drone and missile attacks as the war enters a more volatile phase.
With both sides vying for military and diplomatic leverage, observers warn the conflict could escalate further as global powers, including NATO and China, react to the latest developments.
