Putin Announces Oreshnik Missile Deployment as Ukraine Talks Threaten Expansion
Updated (2 articles)
Putin Links Negotiation Failure to Military Expansion On December 17, 2025 President Vladimir Putin told senior Russian military leaders that a refusal by Kyiv and its Western allies to accept Moscow’s demands would trigger a “liberation” of historical lands and an expansion of a buffer security zone along the Ukrainian border [1]. He framed the potential escalation as a direct consequence of stalled peace talks, warning that Russia would act “by military means” if negotiations collapse [1].
Oreshnik Intermediate‑Range Missile Enters Combat Service Putin announced that the Oreshnik ballistic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, officially entered combat duty in December 2025 after a conventional test strike on a Ukrainian factory in November 2024 [1]. The missile’s intermediate range and nuclear capability extend Russia’s strike envelope, marking a significant upgrade to its strategic arsenal [1].
Belousov Sets Offensive Timetable for Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk Defense Minister Andrei Belousov outlined plans to continue advances in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, aiming to “preserve and accelerate the tempo of the offensive” over the next year [1]. He also pledged to expand drone operations, electronic‑jamming, and air‑defence systems to support the sustained push [1].
Zelenskyy Conditions NATO Membership on Western Security Guarantees Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv might suspend its NATO bid if the West offers security guarantees comparable to full membership, while reaffirming NATO as Ukraine’s preferred security umbrella [1]. He referenced a U.S.–backed peace draft being prepared in Berlin, with President Donald Trump leading diplomatic efforts to finalize the plan [1]. Meanwhile, intensified Russian missile and drone attacks injured 26 civilians in Zaporizhzhia, with 69 drones launched overnight and 29 intercepted by Ukrainian defenses [1].
Timeline
Nov 2024 – Russia conducts a conventional test strike on a Ukrainian factory using the Oreshnik intermediate‑range ballistic missile, showcasing the system before its deployment [1].
Nov 27, 2025 – Analysts observe Russian forces accelerate advances across Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, projecting possible capture of the remaining third of Donetsk by 2026, though the front stays contested [2].
Nov 27, 2025 – Ukrainian military analysts warn that battalion strengths have fallen to 20–30 fighters, far below the 400–800 needed, and that monthly mobilization of 30,000 recruits cannot sustain the 1,300‑km front [2].
Nov 28, 2025 – Ukrainian artillery gunner “Kelt” and Da Vinci Wolves commander Serhii Filimonov express doubt that Russia will honor any peace pact, fearing a short‑term truce that lets Moscow regroup for renewed invasion [2].
Dec 2, 2025 – Ukrainian forces hold a nearly 1,300‑kilometre front from Dnipropetrovsk to Donetsk, entrenched in trenches and dugouts to repel Russian attacks [2].
Dec 17, 2025 – President Vladimir Putin warns that if Kyiv and its Western allies reject Moscow’s demands, Russia will “liberate its historical lands by military means” and expand a “buffer security zone” along the border [1].
Dec 17, 2025 – Putin announces the Oreshnik missile, nuclear‑capable, joins combat duty this month, following its 2024 test strike [1].
Dec 17, 2025 – Defense Minister Andrei Belousov outlines a timetable to continue advances in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk over the next year while expanding drone, jamming and air‑defence capabilities [1].
Dec 17, 2025 – President Donald Trump leads a U.S.–backed diplomatic push; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a U.S.–drafted peace plan could be finalized within days and presented to Moscow [1].
Dec 17, 2025 – Zelenskyy states Ukraine might suspend its NATO bid if the West offers security guarantees comparable to NATO membership, though NATO remains Kyiv’s preferred security umbrella [1].
Dec 17, 2025 – Russian glide‑bomb strikes injure 26 civilians in Zaporizhzhia; 69 long‑range drones launch overnight, Ukrainian air defenses intercept 29, while Russia claims to have shot down 94 Ukrainian drones [1].
2026‑27 – Ukraine projects a need for $83.4 billion to fund its armed forces, warning that the EU’s $50 billion Ukraine Facility may fall short and that aid could shrink if the war ends [2].