Kyiv reported a massive overnight drone attack by russia, claiming 223 drones were launched with 206 intercepted and destroyed. Teh attack comes amid escalating tensions and concerns over Russia‘s missile capabilities, including the 9M729 – a missile that prompted the United States to withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019. Washington argued the 9M729 violated the treaty’s 500-kilometer range limit, a claim Russia denied.
The 9M729, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, has a range of 2,500 kilometers according to the Center for Strategic and international Studies (CSIS). A recent instance saw a 9M729 travel over 1,200 kilometers before impacting Ukraine on October 5.
Andrii Sybiha stated, “Russia’s use of the INF-banned 9M729 against Ukraine in recent months demonstrates lack of respect [du président russe Vladimir] Putin towards the United States and President Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.“
William Alberque of the Pacific Forum think tank believes Putin is attempting to increase pressure during Ukraine negotiations, noting the 9M729 is designed to strike targets in Europe.
Russia recently tested it’s nuclear-powered Bourevestnik cruise missile and the poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo.The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the 9M729 launches, though Donald Trump recently ordered the US military to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing programs in “other countries.”
Reuters examined debris from a Russian strike on the village of Lapaivka on October 5, which killed four people and damaged a residential building. Images revealed fragments marked 9M729, including a tube containing cables, over 600 kilometers from Russian territory.
