Aleksei Zhuravlyov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a member of the Rodina party in the Duma, has raised concerns about Europe's vulnerability in light of Russia's advancements in hypersonic weaponry. In a message shared on the messaging service Telegram, Zhuravlyov claimed that Europe is virtually 'defenseless' against Russia's latest military technologies. His remarks come amidst ongoing tensions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, which has heightened military anxieties across the continent.

Zhuravlyov referenced an article from the German publication Berliner Zeitung that discussed a recent Russian missile strike using the Orešnik missile in Ukraine's Lviv region. He alleged that this attack, which occurred in January, sparked worries among European political and military leaders. The significance of the Orešnik missile strike, according to Zhuravlyov, serves to illustrate the broader threats posed by Russia's military capabilities, hinting at the potential for a global conflict should the situation escalate.

However, the Berliner Zeitung article did not support Zhuravlyov's alarming proclamation about Europe's lack of defense. Instead, it merely evidenced Russia's increasing use of advanced military strikes in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This discrepancy suggests a tactical use of rhetoric by Zhuravlyov aimed at instilling fear and asserting dominance, reflecting the Kremlin's strategy in dealing with international criticism and ongoing sanctions directed at Russia.