Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed the use of a “new” intermediate-range ballistic missile in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, following hours of speculation about the weapon used. Speaking in a surprise national address, Putin described the missile as capable of traveling at speeds of “2.5-3 km per second.”
This contradicts earlier claims by Ukrainian officials, who alleged the attack involved an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). U.S. officials dismissed these assertions, noting that confirmation of ICBM use would have marked a significant escalation in the conflict.
Putin justified the strike as a response to Ukraine’s deployment of “American and British long-range weaponry” and issued a warning to Western nations, asserting that Russia is “ready for any developments.”
The attack underscores the ongoing tensions as Ukraine navigates its defense strategy against Moscow’s advances, while the West, including the U.S., weighs its continued support amidst global geopolitical shifts.
