Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated that the actual transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine would be considered an attack on Russia, with consequences that are "obvious".

He added that even the threat of such a transfer could be seen as preparing for a nuclear war with Russia, warning, "The actual transfer of such weapons may be equated to a completed act of attack on our country."

In a related context, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned ongoing discussions about deploying nuclear weapons in Ukraine as "irresponsible".

He argued that such proposals come from individuals with a "poor understanding of reality," dismissing them as "absolutely irresponsible reasoning."

Peskov emphasized that these statements, which were anonymous, reflect an extremist perspective, and he pointed out that understanding the risks of nuclear escalation requires analyzing Russia's nuclear doctrine and President Putin’s statements, as well as the actions of the West.

The top Russian figure confirmed that President Vladimir Putin's remarks following the Oreshnik missile tests have been "well heard" by Western countries. Peskov emphasized Russia’s clear stance, stating, "We have no doubt that all those theses that the president voiced were well heard by the countries of the collective West." His comments followed reports that Ukraine had used US-made ATACMS missiles to target the Russian region of Kursk.

Peskov noted that discussions at an upcoming NATO meeting in Brussels may center on the challenging front-line situation for Ukraine. It is worth noting that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had called for an emergency Ukraine-NATO Council meeting after Russia's use of new intermediate-range missiles. Peskov suggested that while the meeting is unlikely to result in significant decisions, it will likely focus on the ongoing status of the conflict.

"This is a regular meeting, and therefore it is unlikely that any fateful decisions will be made at the level of ambassadors. Most likely, the discussion of the status that exists will continue. And, probably, the dynamics on the fronts, which is very unfavorable for the Ukrainian side," Peskov stressed.

Russia has stockpile of Oreshnik missiles: Putin

During a meeting with top Ministry of military officials and military industry executives in the Kremlin on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system.

Oreshnik is Russia's newest hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which Putin unveiled Thursday. Russia targeted the Yuzhmash complex in Dnipro, Ukraine, which manufactures missile technology, with a successful Oreshnik strike.

Russia already possesses a stockpile of Oreshnik missile systems and has decided to mass produce them, Putin divulged.

The President explained that Russia would "continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and the nature of the security threats that are created for Russia, especially since we already have a stockpile of such systems ready for use."

The successes and rapid growth of the Oreshnik system inspire pride and appreciation, and advancements in the military industry, are critical to the security of the nation, Putin noted. 

"The weapons system that was tested yesterday is yet another reliable guarantor of Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty," according to the President. "The creators of the Oreshnik missile system - those who designed and organized the production of this new complex, will certainly be nominated for state awards."

According to Putin, Oreshnik is the result of current Russian scientists' work rather than a modification of an earlier system.

The destructive capability of the Oreshnik system, when utilized in a huge strike on enemy objectives, is similar to that of a strategic nuclear weapon, said Putin, who emphasizes that no viable defenses to the system exist.

He stated that with the great power of this missile, "it will be put into service with the Strategic Missile Forces specifically."

"In addition to the Oreshnik system, several systems of this kind are currently in development for further testing in Russia today," Putin announced. "Based on the results of testing, these weapons will also go into production. That is, we are developing a whole lineup of medium and shorter-range systems."

This comes shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the framework for Russia's state policy on nuclear deterrence, as outlined in a decree published on the legal information portal.

The timing of the issuance of the decree is critical as it comes mere days after US President Joe Biden approved Ukraine's use of American long-range missiles against military targets within Russia, in a significant policy shift long sought by Kiev.

Read more: NATO discusses direct involvement in Ukraine war: Putin