On December 19 local time, Russian President Putin accepted an interview after a press conference. When asked about when the 'Hazelnut' Missile system would engage in a technological showdown with Western air defense systems, he stated, 'We are ready right now, today.' When asked why the showdown should take place in Kyiv, Putin replied, 'It can be held elsewhere. However, as far as I know, Western countries have deployed quite a robust air defense system in Kyiv. Let them activate everything they have, including air defense missiles and anti-missile systems on combat duty in Romania and Poland, where there are 24 systems in each of these two locations.' Putin asserted that he is not challenging anyone to a showdown, but is inviting 'those Western experts who doubt the effectiveness of the 'Hazelnut' Missile system to propose such a showdown to their countries. We agree, it's right now.' (CCTV News)