President Vladimir Putin has vowed to carry out further attacks using experimental intermediate-range ballistic missiles, as Ukraine denounces the testing of nuclear-capable weapons on its territory as an “international crime.”
At the Defense Council on Friday, President Putin disputed US claims that Russia has only “a handful” of high-speed ballistic missiles, even as the military continues to test them in “combat conditions.” He said enough is enough.
“The test is [of the missile system] “We passed safely. Congratulations to everyone,” Putin said, according to Interfax news agency. “As already stated, we intend to continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the circumstances and nature of the threats posed to Russia's security. Ready for use in Russia, considering that there is 'stock. “
At the same conference, Russian Strategic Missile Forces Commander-in-Chief Sergei Karakayev said the missiles could hit targets across Europe.
“Depending on the purpose and range of this weapon, it can attack targets all over Europe, which sets it apart from other types of long-range precision-guided weapons,” Karakaev said. .
Russia launched a test missile, which U.S. officials said was an improved design based on Russia's long-range intercontinental ballistic missile RS-26 Lubezh. It was fired at a rocket factory in the city of Usyk. Both President Vladimir Putin and U.S. officials have said the missile is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
U.S. officials condemn Putin's use of nuclear-capable warheads, deny it is a 'game-changer' in Russia-Ukraine war, count the number of missiles Russia has He added that the military has named it Oleshnik or Hazel. .
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday called Russia's use of an experimental ballistic missile in the attack on Ukraine an “international crime” and appealed to countries around the world, including in the Global South, to condemn Russia's latest escalation.
In a speech on social media, President Zelenskiy said he had already instructed his defense minister to consult with allies to ensure a new air defense system that would “protect lives from the new danger” of intermediate-range missiles.
“Using another country not only for terrorism, but also for testing new weapons for terrorism, is clearly an international crime,” Ukraine's president said.
NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks on Tuesday to discuss the attack.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday that the conflict had “entered a decisive stage” and was “taking on a very dramatic appearance.”
Ukraine's parliament has suspended its session as security has been tightened following Thursday's Russian attack on military facilities in Dnipro.
President Zelenskyy called on China and countries in the Global South, apart from Western partners, to condemn the attack, saying that leaders “each time call for restraint, but always in response to some new response from Moscow.” It will be subject to serious escalation.”
China and Brazil have proposed a joint “peace plan,” but Ukraine claims this will only embolden Russia by providing diplomatic cover for continued attacks on Ukraine.
