Russian President Vladimir Putin took credit for a new missile strike on Ukraine, warning that U.S. intervention could lead to direct conflict. The strike hit the city of Dnipro, raising tensions as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate.
Ukraine reported that the strike included eight missiles, initially believed to involve an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). However, U.S. officials disputed this, and Putin later confirmed that the strike used a new intermediate-range missile system. According to the Russian leader, the attack targeted a military facility as a response to the use of U.S. and U.K. weapons by Ukrainian forces.
Putin described the new weapon as a “ballistic missile with a nonnuclear, hypersonic payload,” calling the operational test a success. There are conflicting reports on the target: Russian sources claim a successful hit on a military-industrial complex, while Ukrainian media reported damage to an industrial facility and a rehabilitation center.
The launch was a direct reaction to President Joe Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to use U.S. weapons against Russian military targets. Putin stated that Russia had refrained from deploying intermediate-range missiles until the U.S. introduced similar weapons in the region. He emphasized that Russia now reserves the right to target military facilities in countries that enable attacks on Russian forces, hinting at possible strikes against U.S. and U.K. installations if hostilities escalate.
The missile launch represents the highest point of tension between Russia and NATO since the war began in 2022. Russian officials accused the U.S. and U.K. of deepening their involvement in the conflict by supporting Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil. Andrei Kelin, Russia’s ambassador to the U.K., claimed that NATO personnel played a direct role in the conflict by facilitating attacks with Western weapons.
In a Pentagon briefing, Deputy Spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed that the U.S. received brief advance notice of the missile launch through established communication channels aimed at reducing nuclear risk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with a condemnation of Putin’s actions, accusing Russia of escalating the conflict through its reliance on North Korean mercenaries and Iranian weapons. Zelensky defended Ukraine’s use of long-range arms, asserting the country’s right to self-defense under international law.
“This is not the first time we have used such weapons, and we have every right to do so,” Zelensky stated, urging the global community to increase pressure on the Kremlin. He warned that Russia’s actions demonstrate a disregard for peace and prolong the war, calling on international leaders to make Putin “feel the cost” of his aggressive stance.
The missile test underscores rising tensions between Russia and Western nations, with both sides exchanging sharp warnings and preparing for further escalation in a conflict that shows no signs of ending soon.
