Ukraine claims Russia fired intercontinental ballistic missile, escalating tensions in Russia-Ukraine conflict

President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia tested a hypersonic intermediate-range missile in a strike on Ukraine. The attack has caused escalating tensions between the two countries, with Ukraine accusing Russia of firing a new kind of missile at the city of Dnipro. Local authorities reported that the attack injured two civilians and hit an infrastructure facility.
President Putin stated that Russia launched the missile in response to the aggressive actions of NATO countries. However, a United States official claimed that Russia actually fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile rather than an intercontinental ballistic missile, as initially reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern over the attack, labeling Russia’s actions as an attempt to use Ukraine as a testing ground. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized Russia for not seeking peace and accused them of expanding the war.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified following the United States granting permission for Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russia. In response, Ukraine reportedly fired US-made missiles at targets in Russia, prompting Putin to lower the threshold for a nuclear strike in response.
Additionally, Ukraine launched British missiles at Russian targets, while Russia condemned the opening of a new US missile defense base in Poland as a provocative act that could increase the overall level of nuclear danger. Russia’s military forces have made advances in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, putting pressure on Ukraine’s defensive lines. The situation remains volatile as both countries engage in military maneuvers and confrontations.

Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com