Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today called on his allies to oppose a “strong response” to the “blackmail” of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, who threatened a few hours ago to hit Kiev with the new hypersonic Oresnik missile. “Any blackmail by Russia must be met with a strong response,” Zelensky said in a videotaped speech.

He estimated that Putin’s goal is to disrupt efforts to end the war, especially by US President-elect Donald Trump.

“He doesn’t want the war to end. Additionally, Putin wants to block others who seek to end the war.”the president of Ukraine said.

“He can continue to threaten the (missile) Oresnik, just to prevent President Trump’s efforts, which are certain to take place after his inauguration. Putin wants to escalate the situation to such an extent that President Trump’s efforts fail. So that he doesn’t manage to end the war,” Zelensky said.