Russia Claims Superior Missile Production as Ukraine Faces Widespread Power Cuts

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a threat to target Ukraine’s “decision-making centres” in Kyiv using the new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), with ongoing missile tests planned. Speaking at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit, Putin claimed that Russia was outpacing NATO in missile production, stating that 90 missiles and 100 drones were used in overnight strikes on 17 Ukrainian military and defense sites.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s use of cluster munitions in what he described as a “vile escalation.” Authorities reported that the attacks primarily targeted energy infrastructure, leaving over a million people without power, although emergency blackouts were lifted, and further outages were expected.

Kyiv also accused Russian forces of executing five Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered in Zaporizhzhia, further fueling war crimes allegations. Putin, in a press conference in Kazakhstan, expressed outrage over the alleged assassination attempts on incoming US President Donald Trump, accusing the Biden administration of creating obstacles in US-Russian relations.