What happened
Russia is preparing to test a new ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 km by the end of the year, according to Ukrainian military officials. The missile's advanced maneuverability could pose a challenge to Ukraine's air defenses. A defense analyst warned that the missile's ability to change trajectory could make it difficult for defenders to intercept.
The test is expected to take place in the coming months, with the possibility of live-fire strikes in western Ukraine. The missile's development is seen as a response to the growing demand for precision-guided munitions, with many countries shifting away from unguided weaponry.
The new missile would fall into a category once prohibited under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which was signed in 1987 and required the elimination of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted the growing strain on air defenses, citing the need for more interceptor missiles to counter the Russian threat. A defense analyst noted that Russia is on a wartime footing and has mobilized its defense industrial base to produce missiles at a high rate.
