Politics
Vladimir Putin challenges US, western powers to shoot down powerful new Russian missile: “No chance”

Published
3 months agoon
By
Ekwutos Blog
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a “high-technology duel” with the US to test the Oreshnik, Russia’s advanced hypersonic ballistic missile
- The Oreshnik missile, capable of speeds up to 8,500 mph and carrying nuclear warheads, has already been deployed in Ukraine, targeting Dnipro
- Putin challenged the US to select a target for a live demonstration, claiming Western missile defences would fail against Russia’s new weapon
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the challenge, questioning Putin’s rationality
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has issued a direct challenge to the United States.
Putin proposed a “high-technology duel” to test the effectiveness of Russia’s latest hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik.
The head of state made the proposition during his annual end-of-year press conference, a platform he often uses to assert Russia’s strength.
Military.com reports the Oreshnik missile, named after the Russian word for hazel tree, is an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
It reportedly reaches speeds up to 8,500 miles per hour, making it a formidable addition to Russia’s arsenal.
What is Putin’s challenge to US and allies
Putin’s challenge involves the US selecting a target to defend, against which Russia would launch the Oreshnik on Kyiv to demonstrate its ability to penetrate advanced missile defence systems.
“We’re ready for such an experiment,” expressing confidence that Western technology “stands no chance” against this new weapon.
In November, Russia deployed the Oreshnik against a military facility in Dnipro, Ukraine, marking its first known use in combat.
This action was framed as retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied missiles, such as the US ATACMS and British Storm Shadow, in strikes against Russian territories.
How did Ukraine respond to Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Putin’s challenge, questioning the rationality of such a proposal.
“Do you think he is a sane person?” Zelenskyy posed to reporters at his latest news conference as reported by Al Jazeera.
He went on to say that Ukraine and Russia had failed to strike an agreement during early-war discussions in Istanbul.
This comes after Putin stated that a tentative deal agreed by Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul during the early weeks of the war may serve as the foundation for future conversations.
“Ukraine did not agree to the ultimatum from the Russian Federation. Ukraine did not sign anything, no agreements existed. There was a response to the ultimatum from the Russian Federation,” he declared.
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2027: I’ll support anyone willing to leave office after four years – Kenneth Okonkwo

Published
8 hours agoon
March 16, 2025By
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Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said he would support either a southerner or a northerner willing to vacate office after a single four-year term.
Okonkwo stated this on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television, amid discussions about a coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
The Nollywood star-turned-politician based his decision on equity and fairness between the northern and southern regions of the country, in line with the unwritten rule of rotational presidency.
“Everybody should come together. It is something that can be discussed. Who is going to do four years will influence who I am going to support because I still believe in equity and justice,” he said.
Okonkwo, who resigned from the Labour Party in February, said he was open to joining a coalition aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the next election.
Ekwutosblog reports that talks of a coalition have been gaining momentum, further fuelled by the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from APC to the Social Democratic Party, SDP.
The lawyer described the APC government as incompetent, insisting that the opposition must form a strong alliance to wrest power from the incumbent administration in the next election.
“My game plan is simple. If the opposition is serious about taking power from this incompetent government, they must unite and act as one because that was exactly what the APC did in 2013, which helped them win in 2015.
“I believe in coalition. When I was leaving, I said I was open to discussions with every group to consolidate the opposition so that we can remove this government,” he said.
Politics
Anambra South needs increased funding for infrastructure, quality education, healthcare – Amamgbo

Published
9 hours agoon
March 16, 2025By
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A Labour Party aspirant for the Anambra South Senatorial by-election for the replacement of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Donald Amamgbo has identified some of the needs of the zone, saying if given the opportunity to represent the zone, he will champion it.
Amamgbo, a respected legal practitioner and a player in the oil and gas sector, in a press release said his interest to represent his people in the Senate was to ensure development in the zone.
He said he will champion calls for increased funding for infrastructure development, maintenance and improved access to quality education and healthcare if elected into the red chambers.
He said, “My aspiration is anchored on my desire to provide quality representation and attracting meaningful projects that would better the lot of my people.
“My legislative agenda is all about listening to the concerns of constituents and representing their interest in the National Assembly, while collaborating with stakeholders to drive development and growth in Anambra South to ensure transparency, accountability and promoting the principles of democracy in Nigeria.
“My senatorial bid is built on a promise to deliver effective representation and champion the interests of Anambra South senatorial district. My vision is centred on key legislative priorities for economic empowerment, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, security and peace in Anambra South as well as the entire state.
“My approach to leadership is anchored in practical solutions and a people-first mentality. I will prioritize development, accountability, and compassion, offering a fresh perspective on service delivery. With my extensive experience in law, business, and humanitarian work, I am a force for positive change,” he stressed.
Politics
BREAKING NEWS: Senators and former ministers of Buhari are preparing to move from APC to SDP.

Published
14 hours agoon
March 16, 2025By
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Strong signs that some of the former president Muhammadu Buhari’s ministers will turn to the Social Democratic Party altogether.
A senator in the ninth house of assembly, who talked with PUNCH newspaper on Saturday and asked for his name to be renamed, said at least 10 former members of Buhari are planning to return to SDP.
“What they are waiting for is the complete rule of the party in their states,” the sources said.
Our representatives have gathered that the top obedient to President Buhari’s next year include the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress National, Abdullahi Adamu; Former Federal Lawyer and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and former Senate Chairman, Ahmed Lawan.
El-Rufa’i has started taking action
One of Buhari’s loyalist and former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday transferred to SDP party, where he expressed the disagreement between him and the APC party as the first reason for making this decision.

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