On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened potential strikes on Kyiv with the new hypersonic 'Oreshnik' missile, following a severe assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure that left a million people without power.

During a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin indicated the missile could hit decision-making centers, heightening concerns in Kyiv.

Russia launched over 90 missiles and around 100 drones in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks utilizing Western missiles.

This attack signifies an escalation in the nearly three-year conflict as both sides increase their armaments ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

Putin asserted that the Oreshnik could deliver a force comparable to a nuclear strike and criticized Ukraine's use of ATACMS missiles against Russian territory.

The latest strikes severely damaged electricity supplies in Ukraine's western regions.

Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the use of cluster munitions by Russia in the attack, calling it a 'despicable escalation' in Russian tactics.

In response, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described Putin's threats as signs of weakness.

With winter nearing, Ukraine braces for more challenges following 11 large-scale attacks on its energy network this year.

The situation remains tense as both sides anticipate possible changes in the geopolitical landscape after Trump's inauguration.