Putin challenges West to ‘21st-century high-tech duel’ against Oreshnik missile, with Kyiv as Russia’s target
Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his annual Direct Line call-in show, claimed that the air defense systems currently deployed in Europe are incapable of intercepting missiles from Russia’s “Oreshnik” system, describing the odds of success as “absolutely zero.”
In response to Western experts who have cast doubt on the capabilities of the Oreshnik system, Putin proposed what he called a “21st-century high-tech duel.”
“If Western experts believe [the Oreshnik can be intercepted], let them propose a technological experiment to us and those funding them in the West, particularly in the United States. Let them select a target, say in Kyiv, concentrate all their air and missile defense systems there, and we’ll strike it with the Oreshnik. Then we’ll see what happens. We’re ready for such an experiment. Is the other side ready? […] It would be interesting for us. […] Let’s conduct this experiment, this technological duel, and see the results. I think it would be useful for both us and the Americans.”
Meduza survived 2024 thanks to its readers!
Let’s stick together for 2025.
The world is at a crossroads today, and quality journalism will help shape the decades to come. Real stories must be told at any cost. Please support Meduza by signing up for a recurring donation.