Russian President Vladimir Putin announced early Friday that Moscow had deployed a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Ukraine. The strike, carried out on Thursday, was reportedly in retaliation against Kyiv’s recent use of advanced weaponry supplied by the United States and the United Kingdom.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Putin’s declaration by stating that Russia’s actions demonstrate “how scared” the Kremlin is of Ukraine’s efforts. Zelenskyy’s remarks emphasized Ukraine’s resilience in the face of escalating aggression.
The escalating conflict is drawing international concern, with Polish leaders and others interpreting the developments in ominous terms. A senior U.K. military official declared on Thursday that Britain’s armed forces stand “ready to fight” Russian forces “tonight” should Putin push his aggression further into Eastern Europe.
Adding to the warnings, Ukraine’s former military chief, Valery Zaluzhny, argued that “World War III has officially begun.” Zaluzhny pointed to the involvement of North Korean troops, Iranian drones, and Chinese weapons in Russia’s campaign, suggesting a broader international dynamic in the war.
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