Putin doubles down on 'unstoppable' hypersonic missile that can reach US

Russia is escalating its production of hypersonic missiles, the Oreshnik, with capabilities to strike the US and Europe, amid heightened Middle East tensions and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Concerns about a potential World War Three flared up after the US targeted Iran over the weekend in efforts to disrupt its nuclear arms development.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei struck back with an assault on America's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday, but President Donald Trump announced by Tuesday he had successfully negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. It came as health fears were raised about Donald Trump as viewers spotted a clue in his clothes.

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While the truce seems to be effective for the moment, global leaders like Vladimir Putin are bracing for the possibility of full-scale warfare.

In a press briefing, Putin disclosed his intention to ramp up production of the Oreshnik hypersonic missiles, which have been deployed in the conflict with Ukraine and are known for their intermediate range, reports the Express.

Putin praised the missile, also referred to as the Hazel tree, stating it has "proven itself very well in combat conditions" and confirmed that "serial production of the latest Oreshnik medium-range missile system [is] under way."

The Mirror reported that this missile was utilized in an attack on Ukraine on November 21, 2024, targeting a defense structure in Dnipro and reportedly causing 'significant destruction'.

Oreshnik missiles, slated for readiness in the latter half of this year, are touted to have a range of up to 3,415 miles. This means they could potentially strike targets in Europe and even the western US.

Putin has boasted that these weapons are "impossible to intercept" and could potentially damage nuclear armaments, although military analysts have expressed skepticism about these claims.

In the meantime, the UK is preparing to acquire a new fleet of fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Downing Street has described this as the "biggest strengthening" of Britain's stance "in a generation".

The UK will purchase 12 F35A jets and participate in NATO's airborne nuclear mission, a decision confirmed while Sir Keir Starmer is attending the alliance's summit in The Hague.

These jets, a variant of the F35Bs already in use by the UK, can carry conventional weapons but can also be outfitted with nuclear bombs. The Prime Minister has stated that the UK "can no longer take peace for granted", and this move demonstrates that ministers are "investing in our national security".