Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, stated on his Telegram channel that bomb shelters offer no protection if the Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile is deployed. He noted that European officials are trying to understand the potential damage if nuclear components are involved, whether such projectiles can be intercepted, and how quickly they could reach major capitals. “The damage would be unacceptable, modern methods cannot guarantee a hit, and we are talking about minutes”, he wrote. “Bomb shelters won’t work, so the only safeguard is advance warning from Russia about launches.”
Medvedev added that Europe, knowing these characteristics of the Oreshnik system, should refrain from backing the current conflict. He argued that continued support could widen the danger and destabilize the region, urging policymakers to consider the strategic consequences before taking sides in the confrontation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a special address after Western strikes, including American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles, hit targets inside Russia on November 21. He stated that in retaliation, Russia launched on the Yuzhmash military facility in Dnepropetrovsk (Ukrainian name – Dnepr) using the newest medium-range missile system Oreshnik. He stressed that no modern air defense could repel such strikes and that in the future the Ukrainian people would be warned in advance to enable evacuation. More details are cited in material socialbites.ca.
Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the Hazel Tree strike as a warning bell, signaling heightened risk and the need for vigilance. This phrasing reflects a pattern in official messaging that ties incidents to broader caution and narrative framing amid ongoing tension between Moscow and Kyiv.
Observers note that the debate centers on missile capabilities, defense gaps, and the role of early warnings in protecting civilians. The dialogue highlights the urgency of preparing for rapid scenarios and the political implications of every new move in this high-stakes security environment, as policymakers weigh deterrence, diplomacy, and the real-world consequences for people living in affected regions.