Ukraine has accused Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) toward its southeastern territory. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "terrified" of Ukraine's resilience.
Kyiv, Ukraine - Ukraine has vehemently condemned Russia's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) toward its southeastern territory. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, has been met with outrage from Ukrainian officials and international observers alike.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the strike as "an act of terror" and accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being "terrified" by Ukraine's resistance to the ongoing invasion.
Russia Launches ICBM at Ukraine; Zelenskyy Declares "Putin is Terrified
"Putin's actions are a testament to his desperation and fear of our indomitable spirit," Zelenskyy stated in a televised address to the nation. "He may strike with his missiles, but he will never crush our spirit or our determination to defend our freedom."
While Ukrainian officials maintained that the strike involved an ICBM, the United States has disputed this claim. US officials stated that the projectile launched by Russia was likely a medium-range ballistic missile, not an ICBM.
The discrepancy in assessments has raised questions about the accuracy of Ukraine's intelligence and the extent of the threat posed by the Russian attack. However, both Ukraine and the US have condemned the strike as a violation of international law and a reckless escalation of the conflict.
The missile strike comes amidst escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Russian forces have intensified their attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, while Ukraine has continued to resist with Western military support.
The launch of an ICBM, if confirmed, would represent a significant escalation of the conflict. ICBMs are nuclear-capable missiles with ranges exceeding 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles), and their use could have devastating consequences.
The Russian strike has been widely condemned by the international community. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation, and the European Union and NATO have both issued statements condemning the attack.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concern over the escalation of the conflict and called for an immediate end to the violence.
"The launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile is a reckless and dangerous act that threatens regional and global stability," Guterres stated. "I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms."
Analysts are speculating on the reasons behind Putin's decision to escalate the conflict by launching an ICBM strike. Some suggest that he is seeking to intimidate Ukraine and force it to accept Moscow's terms, while others believe he is sending a message to the West that Russia is willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary.
Whatever his motives, Putin's actions have heightened fears of a wider and more destructive war in Europe. The international community is now anxiously watching to see how the conflict will unfold and whether Putin will use even more extreme measures to achieve his goals.
