Brussels: NATO has condemned Russia’s deployment of an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile in Ukraine, asserting that the strike will not alter the course of the conflict. The attack, which targeted the city of Dnipro on Thursday, has sparked international concern over an escalation in the war.
NATO: Support for Ukraine Will Continue
Farah Dakhlallah, a NATO spokeswoman, stated that the use of such a weapon will not deter Ukraine’s allies in NATO from continuing their support for Kyiv. “This act of aggression will not change the alliance’s resolve to stand with Ukraine,” she said.
Russia’s Warning to the West
Russian officials claim the missile strike serves as a warning to the United States and its allies. They stated that the deployment of the weapon was a direct response to Ukraine’s use of US- and UK-supplied long-range missiles against Russian targets.
Zelensky Calls for Global Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strike as “a clear and severe escalation,” urging the international community to respond decisively. “The world must not ignore the dangers of this new level of aggression,” he said.
Putin’s Justification
Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the attack, stating it was retaliation for Ukraine’s missile strikes on Russian territory. “This response was necessary to counter the threats posed by Western-backed Ukrainian aggression,” Putin said.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns over the use of experimental weapons and the potential for further intensification of the war.