Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to target Ukraine’s “decision-making centers” using the new Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which Russia claims is impossible to intercept.

Western officials remain skeptical of this claim. Putin cited Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles as justification for the strikes and stated that his forces are selecting targets, including military and industrial sites in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the escalation, accusing Putin of prolonging the war and preventing peace efforts, The Hill has reported.

The nearly three-year conflict has seen increased Russian aggression, with recent reports of North Korean troops joining the battlefield.

Written by B.C. Begley