More trouble for Zelenskyy as Russia fires THIS missile at Ukraine, Trump had broken nuclear treaty… Ukraine to now…

Russia-Ukraine War: A major revelation has emerged in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has claimed that Russia has used the 9M729 cruise missile against Ukraine in recent months. This is the same missile whose development led the United States to break the nuclear arms control agreement (INF Treaty) with Russia in 2019. This is the first time an official has confirmed that Russia has used this missile in actual combat.

What is 9M729 missile?

The 9M729 is a ground-launched cruise missile that can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads. Its range is reported to be approximately 2,500 kilometers, meaning it could target any part of Europe. In 2019, the US claimed the missile violated the INF Treaty, as its maximum permitted range was only 500 kilometers. Russia denied this allegation at the time, but the controversy led to then-US President Doland Trump withdrawing the US from the treaty.

Russia used it 23 times against Ukraine

According to a Reuters report, a senior Ukrainian official stated that Russia has fired this missile 23 times against Ukraine since August. Previous use of this missile was recorded twice in 2022. The most recent attack occurred on October 5, when a 9M729 missile traveled 1,200 kilometers and struck a residential building in the Ukrainian village of Lapyivka. Four people were killed in the attack. The “9M729” marking was clearly visible on debris found, confirming that the attack was carried out by this missile.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Tsibiha said Russia’s move shows that President Vladimir Putin doesn’t care about the diplomatic efforts of the United States or Doland Trump. He said, “The use of missiles banned from the INF proves that Putin wants to challenge international rules.” Tsibiha said Ukraine still supports Trump’s peace initiative, but it is necessary to exert “maximum pressure” on Russia to force it to end the war.

What is Russia’s motive?

According to analysts, Russia can use the 9M729 missile to launch attacks deep into Ukraine because it is fired from ground-based and mobile launchers, which are easy to conceal. This missile gives Russia the ability to launch attacks from a “safe distance,” meaning it can launch attacks from within its own territory and avoid retaliatory threats. International security expert Douglas Barry says Russia may be trying to “test the missile in a real battlefield,” but its 23 uses also indicate that it is no longer just a test, but a part of military strategy.