The Ukraine-NATO Council will meet at the ambassadorial level on November 26 at the Alliance headquarters at Ukraine’s request. The meeting is in response to Russia’s first use in Ukraine of an experimental Oreshnik ballistic missile, based on the older Rubizh intercontinental ballistic missile. It was first assumed that the Rubizh missile was used in the attack, but later Putin stated that the medium-range Oreshnik missile had been used for the first time.
The White House gave its assurance that the Russian attack using this missile will not stop support for Ukraine from the current US administration. White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre stressed that US assistance is aimed at strengthening Ukrainian capabilities and taking “the best possible position on the battlefield.” NATO also stated that such actions by Russia will not change the course of the conflict and will not deter the Alliance allies from continuing to support Ukraine.
The ISW noted that Russia’s use of the Oreshnik was to demonstrate force and is an attempt to strengthen its nuclear threats. Currently, Ukraine does not have air defense systems capable of shooting down this type of ballistic missile.