‘Oreshnik Is Ready’: Putin Signals Escalation As Zelensky Rejects Land Concessions

President Vladimir Putin says Russia is entering a decisive phase of the Ukraine conflict, announcing that the new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile will be ready for combat deployment by the end of 2025. Speaking at Russia’s Defence Ministry headquarters, Putin said the Russian army now firmly controls the strategic initiative along the entire front line. He claimed Russian forces have liberated more than 300 settlements this year alone, calling 2025 a critical stage in achieving the objectives of the “special military operation.”