Russia’s efforts to showcase the “Oreshnik” missile system: the Kremlin seeks to bolster its role in the authoritarian axis

During his annual press conference on December 19, 2024, Vladimir Putin announced the strategic advantages of Russia’s new intermediate-range missile system, Oreshnik, with a separate warhead.

According to him, none of the modern air defense systems in service in the democratic bloc countries is capable of countering this missile.

As a demonstration of his confidence, Putin proposed a so-called “high-tech duel of the 21st century,” calling for deploying Western air defense systems in Kyiv and an attempt to intercept the Oreshnik during its strike.