Ukraine has confirmed that Russia has used the controversial 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile banned under the former Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty at least 23 times since August, raising deep concerns about European security. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told Reuters that the missile, whose secret development led Donald Trump to abandon the INF Treaty in 2019, has now been deployed in Ukraine. One missile reportedly flew over 1,200 km before impact. The 9M729, capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads, has an estimated range of 2,500 km, according to t

Ukraine has confirmed that Russia has used the controversial 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile banned under the former Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty at least 23 times since August, raising deep concerns about European security.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told Reuters that the missile, whose secret development led Donald Trump to abandon the INF Treaty in 2019, has now been deployed in Ukraine. One missile reportedly flew over 1,200 km before impact. The 9M729, capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads, has an estimated range of 2,500 km, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

“Russia’s use of the INF-banned 9M729 against Ukraine demonstrates President Putin’s disrespect to the United States and President Trump’s diplomatic efforts,” Sybiha said. He added that Kyiv supports Trump’s peace proposals but urged maximum international pressure on Moscow, including strengthening Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities.

Analysts say Moscow’s deployment of the 9M729 expands its long-range arsenal and signals renewed threats toward Europe. “Putin is ramping up pressure as part of Ukraine negotiations,” said William Alberque of the Pacific Forum think tank.

Missile debris marked “9M729” was recovered from an October 5 strike that killed four civilians in Lapaiivka, western Ukraine 600 km from Russian territory. Experts at Middlebury College confirmed the fragments matched known components of the missile.

Western analysts warn that the weapon’s mobility makes it difficult to detect and intercept, while Russia’s decision to fire from deep within its borders adds a new challenge for Ukrainian defenses. As former British defense attaché John Foreman cautioned, “If these INF-range missiles are being used in Ukraine, this is not just Ukraine’s problem it’s a European security issue.”

Source: Reuters

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