Putin Proposes “High-Tech Duel” to Test Western Air Defense With Oreshnik Missile Over Kyiv

Vladimir Putin after explaining why Oreshnik missiles are invulnerable to NATO air and missile defense proposed a 21st-century “high-tech duel” over Kyiv to test Western missile defense systems against Russia’s Oreshnik, during Direct Line with Vladimir Putin on December 19.

“No, to shoot down these missiles—well, if those Western experts you mentioned believe this—let them suggest it to us, and let them propose it to those in the West or the US who pay them for their analysis. Let them organize some kind of technological experiment, maybe even a high-tech duel of the 21st century.”

Putin continued, emphasizing the ‘scientific’ and ‘strategic’ interest in such a test.

“Let them pick a target for us to strike, say, Kyiv. Let them concentrate all their air defense and missile defense systems there, and we’ll launch an attack at that spot with Oreshnik. Let’s see what happens. We’re ready for such an experiment.”

Putin claimed he thinks this kind of ‘test’ would be useful both for America and Russia.

“Let’s carry out this kind of technological experiment and see the results. I think it would be interesting and useful for both us and the American side.”

Earlier, the US Missile Defense Agency successfully intercepted an air-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile target during a test near Guam.