In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that he has ordered an attack on Ukraine using a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. This move serves as a response to Ukraine utilizing U.S. and British-supplied longer-range weapons to strike targets within Russian territory.
In a televised address, Putin characterized the missile strike as a “test” of a newly designed weapon, asserting that Russia holds the right to retaliate against nations providing arms to Ukraine that result in attacks on Russian lands. Deputy Defense Department press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that the missile is an experimental variant based on the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile design. She expressed concern regarding this new “lethal capability” being deployed on the battlefield.
The Russian government informed U.S. officials about the impending attack via communication channels intended for nuclear risk reduction. The missile is versatile, being capable of carrying either a conventional or a nuclear warhead.
Putin’s warnings extended to countries supplying arms to Ukraine, indicating that Russian military assets could be directed against them as well. He emphasized that Russia reserves the right to target military facilities of nations that allow their weapons to be used against Russian forces.
Analysts note that Russia’s use of an intermediate-range missile, which has a striking capability beyond Ukraine, is intended to send a strong warning to Ukraine, the U.S., and other NATO allies. The missile’s range is below 3,500 miles, in contrast to intercontinental ballistic missiles that were primarily developed during the Cold War.
In light of Russia’s actions, Biden administration officials have briefed Ukraine and other allies to prepare for potential escalations. Nonetheless, U.S. officials remain assured that Russia’s efforts to intimidate Ukraine and its supporters will not succeed. They reiterated that continued support in the form of air defense systems and military hardware for Ukraine will persist throughout President Biden’s term.
The tensions come as Ukrainian forces have recently employed long-range U.S. and British missiles to conduct strikes within Russian territory, leading to reactions from Moscow, which had warned of significant consequences for such actions.
Amid these developments, analysts believe the chance of Russia utilizing nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict remains low, particularly as Russian military forces are currently making headway on the battlefield. The war, having reached over 1,000 days, has seen Russian troops gaining ground, particularly on the eastern front, with assistance from North Korean forces.
Overall, while the situation remains precarious, the international community stands firm in its support for Ukraine, and there is hope that continued diplomacy and military aid will help stabilize the region.
In summary, the recent missile launch by Russia, prompted by Ukraine’s advancements with Western-supplied arms, signals heightened tensions but also highlights the resilience and ongoing support for Ukraine from its allies. With continued assistance and strategic military planning, there is optimism that the situation can be navigated without further escalation.