"Oreshnik" missile demonstration - wake-up call for West Hungarian PM says

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that the launch of the "Oreshnik," a medium-range ballistic missile, is causing concern across the West.

He stated that the demonstration of the new Russian missile’s power should serve as a wake-up call, urging European politicians to take responsibility, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"This demonstration of weaponry has made us all think deeply. I truly hope it will require caution not just from us, but from Western Europe as well," the politician added.

The Hungarian prime minister explained that the "Oreshnik" is an intercontinental ballistic missile fully capable of being equipped with a nuclear warhead. 

He stated that after reviewing the technical specifications of the nuclear payload, he concluded that the launch of such a weapon would indeed turn any conflict into a nuclear war.

Orban noted that the presence of soldiers from Western countries on Ukrainian territory is causing serious concern, as it serves as another sign of escalating armed confrontation that could lead to a global military conflict.

He stressed that there have been recently "two shocking pieces of news" regarding military actions in Ukraine. 

"According to Russian reports, the US and French soldiers were killed as a result of airstrikes carried out by Russian forces on Ukrainian territory. This shows that these soldiers were present there," he said. 

"At first, you simply say that you support the war, then you send weapons, and sooner or later, soldiers arrive who could end up dying there. This is exactly what happened in Ukraine with individuals holding military status from Western Europe and America," Orban said. 

He clarified that these reports require further verification, but emphasised that European leaders should pay attention to them.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) that serial production of the "Oreshnik" missile has begun. 

He emphasised that the missile will continue to be deployed in combat situations if necessary. The president also stressed that Moscow will respond to ongoing strikes on Russian territory with long-range missiles of Western origin.

These targets could include military facilities, defence industry enterprises, or decision-making centres in Kyiv, President Putin added.

By Naila Huseynova