Analysts: Use of advanced missiles by Russia, signal to the West

2024-11-22 08:12:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia's use of a new, fast and powerful missile to attack the city of Dnipro on Thursday. He called it a "nuclear adventure" and a sharp escalation of the war.

The attack has raised fears of a new and dangerous phase of the war. In a speech later, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Mr Zelenskyy described the attack as a sign of Moscow's wider strategy, saying: "It is clear that Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground for weapons that threaten the world."

His comments underscored growing alarm in Kiev about the deployment of advanced Russian missile systems against civilian targets.

In his speech, Mr. Putin described the use of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile as a routine test within the conflict.

"The Russian Federation tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile, known as the Oreshnik, during its operation in Ukraine," he said.

He offered few technical details about the attack. Analysts said the missile's use, and Mr Putin's acknowledgment of the attack, appeared to be aimed at demonstrating Russia's military capabilities to NATO and the United States.

This marked the first time that Russia has openly admitted to using such a missile during the war.

Ukraine's former ambassador to the United States, Valeriy Chaly, described the attack as a "new phase" of Russian aggression. Speaking for the Voice of America, he emphasized that the attack was not only a challenge for Ukraine, but also for its Western allies.

"This is not just about Ukraine," Mr. Chaly said. "It is a challenge for the European security system and for the United States. "Moscow is signaling its willingness to escalate tensions dramatically to influence the West."

He said the response to the attack "must be clear, united and decisive - anything less risks emboldening Russia and endangering global security".

Western leaders condemned the attack. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it "irresponsible and dangerous," while EU Foreign Affairs spokesman Peter Stano called it a "significant escalation" of Russia's tactics./ Voa