U.S. says preliminary consultations with Ukraine before launch of Oreshnik

The US authorities notified Ukraine and its allies several days before the launch of the Oreshnik medium-range combat missile (MRBM). This was announced by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at a briefing on November 21.

"We have notified Ukraine and our closest allies and partners in recent days to prepare them," she said.

Jean-Pierre also noted that the U.S. was "not surprised" by the Oreshnik launch, as Russian authorities have been signaling changes in nuclear doctrine for weeks. In addition, she pointed out, U.S. authorities "see no reason to change the [nuclear force] balance or nuclear doctrine."

The spokeswoman said that the United States would continue to support Ukraine and "will accelerate the delivery of allocated aid."

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine had used Western long-range weapons against the Russian state. According to him, the regional conflict has acquired elements of a global character. He also announced that the Russian state had tested the Oreshnik missile in response to NATO 's aggressive actions.

Later, footage of the Russian Armed Forces striking the Yuzhmash plant in Dnipropetrovsk with the Oreshnik missile was published. The footage shows parts of the missile hitting the objects, followed by bright flashes. There is also a strong noise during the fall.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said that Russian authorities had sent the US a notification about the use of the Oreshnik medium-range combat missile (MRBM) half an hour before it was launched.

The special operation to protect Donbass, which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of on February 24, 2022, is ongoing. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.