Putin's Hypersonic Missile Tactics: Bluff or Strategy?

President Biden's decision to increase military support for Ukraine, including deploying U.S. contractors and authorizing missile strikes into Russia, has escalated tensions. Russia responded by launching an intermediate-range hypersonic missile at a Ukrainian target, demonstrating its military capabilities without causing severe damage. This move highlights the precarious nature of U.S.-Russia relations during the U.S. presidential transition, with Putin warning of further actions depending on Western responses. The situation underscores the need for effective defense diplomacy to prevent further escalation.