The United Nations on Thursday called for deescalation after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a high-tech "duel" to those in the West questioning the capabilities of the hypersonic Oreshnik missile.
"We have seen an expansion of kinetic activity in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. We've seen an expansion of rhetoric. We would like to see both of those go in the opposite direction," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said during a UN briefing when asked about Putin’s remarks.
The technological duel can be held not only in Kiev but elsewhere, the Russian president said. He also noted that the Ukrainian capital has strong air defenses organized by Western countries.