Ukraine seeks new air defence amid Russian missile threat
Rustem Umerov, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, initiated a dialogue with international partners to acquire new air defence systems following the recent Russian attack on Dnipro, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.
- I am grateful to all partners who have already responded to this latest episode of Russian madness. But beyond words, action is needed. And in particular, on my instructions, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine is already holding meetings with our partners on new air defence systems – the kind of systems that can protect lives from new risks - stated the President of Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasised that details regarding the new missile used by Russians in the attack on Dnipro have already been established and will soon be disclosed to international media.
- [The world] must understand that the only party that does not want peace is Russia. That is why Russia is constantly escalating - he stressed.
Zelensky noted that the international community's response should be decisive, "so that Putin fears expanding this war and faces real consequences for his actions". He added that "true peace can only be achieved through strength—there is no other way".
On Friday evening, Vladimir Putin announced that Russia intends to continue testing the recently launched Oreshnik missile.
- We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and the nature of the security threat created for Russia - Putin announced. He also emphasised that the Oreshnik is difficult for the opponent to intercept and can target locations across Europe.
According to Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh, Russia indeed launched an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine. She added that the design of this missile is based on the ICBM RS-26 Rubezh project.
