A serious revelation has emerged from Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia. Ukrainian officials confirmed that Russia has fired a controversial cruise missile called the 9M729, a weapon so secretive that its development once led former U.S. President Donald Trump to abandon a key nuclear arms control agreement. This marks the first time that Ukraine has publicly confirmed the missile’s use in combat.
Russia’s Hidden Weapon Comes to Light
According to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Russia has launched the 9M729 missile at Ukraine 23 times since August, with two earlier launches recorded back in 2022. This missile is known for its long range and potential to carry nuclear warheads, making it one of the most dangerous weapons in Russia’s arsenal.
- Ukrainian officials say one missile flew over 1,200 kilometers before hitting its target inside Ukraine.
- The missile violates the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which limited the use of ground-launched missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 km.
- The U.S. had accused Russia of secretly developing the 9M729 in breach of the treaty, which caused President Trump to withdraw from the INF pact in 2019.
Russia’s defense ministry has not responded to the latest claims, but evidence from recent missile fragments in Ukraine supports these reports.
A New Threat for Ukraine and Europe
Experts warn that the use of the INF-banned 9M729 missile could have far-reaching consequences beyond Ukraine’s borders. The missile can travel up to 2,500 kilometers, meaning it could easily reach cities across Europe.
Western analysts believe President Vladimir Putin may be using these missile attacks to increase pressure on Ukraine and influence upcoming peace negotiations involving the U.S. and Europe.
- The attacks also show how Russia is expanding its long-range strike abilities.
- The timing of these attacks, just after a Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, adds to suspicions of Moscow’s intent to send a strong political message.
- Some analysts fear these weapons could be used to intimidate neighboring countries or test how far the West is willing to go in response.
This development has been called a “major security issue for Europe” by defense experts, as the 9M729 could potentially be fitted with nuclear warheads.
Global Reactions and Rising Tensions
In the Latest News, global leaders and defense analysts are expressing concern over this move. While the White House did not respond directly to questions about Russia’s missile use, the U.S. military was ordered by Donald Trump to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing threats from other countries’ testing programs.
At the same time, Russia continues to test other advanced weapons — including its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile and a new Poseidon nuclear torpedo.
- These actions signal Moscow’s growing interest in developing and showcasing its nuclear and missile power.
- The pattern also suggests Russia is no longer respecting past disarmament treaties.
- Some Western military experts warn this could trigger a new arms race across Europe and Asia.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha said that Russia’s use of this banned missile “shows Putin’s disrespect toward the United States and former President Trump’s diplomatic efforts.” He added that boosting Ukraine’s long-range firepower is necessary to force Moscow toward peace.
Evidence Found: Missile Fragments Tell the Story
Reuters reporters reviewed images from a deadly missile strike in the Ukrainian village of Lapaiivka on October 5, which killed four people and destroyed homes. The debris, marked “9M729”, matched parts of the controversial missile.
Experts from Middlebury College and other research institutions examined the fragments and confirmed that the engine and outer casing were consistent with the 9M729’s design. This evidence strengthens claims that Russia is using these missiles regularly in its war campaign.
- Analysts say the ground-based launchers used for the 9M729 are easy to hide and move, making detection and defense extremely difficult.
- These features allow Russia to launch attacks from deeper inside its territory, keeping its troops safer while maintaining offensive capabilities.
- The 23 confirmed missile uses also help Russia test the weapon in real combat — gathering valuable data for future use.
What Makes the 9M729 Different?
While Russia already has several long-range missiles like Kalibr and Kh-101, the 9M729 offers more flexibility and stealth. It can be launched from mobile platforms, making it hard for air defenses to intercept.
According to defense expert Douglas Barrie, the 9M729 gives Moscow a new “attack axis” and adds to the total number of missiles available for warfare. “This system allows Russia to strike from safer, hidden locations,” he explained.
This mobility and range make the missile particularly threatening, especially if it’s used to carry nuclear warheads.
Ukraine’s Plea for Stronger Support
Kyiv has urged Washington to send long-range Tomahawk missiles, which are not banned under the old INF rules. Ukrainian officials argue that better long-range weapons would help push Russia toward negotiations and possibly end the war.
However, Moscow has warned that giving Ukraine such missiles would be a dangerous escalation, raising fears of an even wider conflict.
The confirmed use of the banned 9M729 missile is not just a battlefield development — it’s a wake-up call for the world. It shows how fragile peace treaties can be and how quickly old weapons can resurface in new conflicts. As global powers weigh their next moves, one question dominates the Daily News Highlights:
Will this missile spark a new nuclear arms race or finally push leaders back to the peace table?
