Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow has tested a new intermediate-range missile during a strike on Ukraine, warning that the weapon could target nations aiding Kyiv in striking Russia. The announcement followed Ukraine’s claim that Russia had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro overnight, wounding two and damaging an industrial site and a rehabilitation center.
In a televised address, Putin said more such strikes would be preceded by warnings to allow civilian evacuations. He also boasted that US air defense systems could not intercept Russia’s missiles.
The escalation coincides with heightened tensions as the US approved Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against Russia. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of deploying American-made ATACMS missiles shortly after receiving Washington’s go-ahead.
Meanwhile, Putin signed a controversial nuclear doctrine allowing a nuclear response even to conventional attacks on Russia if supported by a nuclear-armed nation. The US attributed its policy shift to Russia’s reported use of North Korean troops in the conflict.
