Putin claims Russia is ready for missile duel with U.S.

The statements were reported by Russian outlets RIA Novosti, TASS, and Interfax.

On the "Oreshnik" missile

Putin assured that the "Oreshnik" is a new medium-range missile, developed with Russian technology, boasting a range of up to 5,500 km and capable of bypassing any air defense system.

He even proposed a "technological experiment" for skeptics, according to RIA Novosti.

He suggested that Western countries pick a target in Kyiv where they could deploy all their air defenses, while Russia launches the missile. Putin described this as a potential "high-tech duel."

On the Kursk region fighting

Discussing operations in the Kursk region, Putin expressed confidence that Russian forces will "definitely drive the Ukrainian Armed Forces out of the region." However, he admitted he "cannot and does not want to" specify a timeline, TASS reported.

He also stated there is "no military sense" in the Ukrainian Armed Forces entering or staying in the Kursk region, accusing them of sending their best assault units "to the slaughter."

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has said that opening negotiations with Russia would allow Putin "to take control of everything in our region."