Calling Russia an “insane neighbour,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted after Moscow launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and said that Vladimir Putin is terrified of normal life next to him.
In a self-recorded video, Zelenskyy said that the word “dignity” defines Ukraine but it will never again be spoken about Russia.
Taking to his account on X, the Ukrainian president said, “Today, our insane neighbor has once again revealed its true nature—its disdain for dignity, freedom, and human life itself. And, most of all, its fear. Fear so overwhelming that it unleashes missile after missile, scouring the globe for more weapons—whether from Iran or North Korea.”
” Today, it was a new Russian missile. Its speed and altitude suggest intercontinental ballistic capabilities. Investigations are ongoing. It’s clear that Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground. It’s also clear that he is terrified of normal life next to him. A life where people live with dignity. A country that wants to be free and has the right to be independent,” he added.
He also stated that Putin will do anything to keep his neighbor from slipping out of his grasp. He thanked Ukrainian—men and women alike—who defend Ukraine from this evil with resilience, bravery, and strength. With dignity.
“Dignity. It’s one of the defining words for Ukraine. And it’s a word that will likely never again be spoken about Russia,” he said.
Russia launches ICBM, marking first time used in combat war
Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)on Thursday morning against Ukraine, marking the first use of a weapon in war. The strike targeted enterprises and critical infrastructure in Dnipro, a central-eastern Ukrainian city. It is unclear whether the missile caused significant damage.
Ukraine’s air force stated, “An intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation.”Security experts said it would be the first military use of an intercontinental ballistic missile, Reuters reported.
The statement did not specify the missile type but identified that six Kh-101 cruise missiles were also launched, all of which except one were intercepted by Ukrainian air defences, reported CNN.
In the 33-month long war, which doesn’t seems to end soon, the war escalated after Ukraine used US-made ATACMS and British-French Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets deep within Russian territory. However, Russian defence ministry shot down two British-made Storm Shadow missiles, six HIMARS rockets and 67 drones.
Kremlin warned of escalating war if Ukraine uses US-made weapons
The Kremlin had previously warned that Ukraine’s use of Western long-range missiles would be seen as a major escalation.Ukrainian forces used these advanced weapons to hit Russian military installations earlier this week.
Moscow responded with threats of “massive” retaliatory strikes, including the deployment of more advanced missile systems.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the ICBM deployment. “That’s a question for our military,” he said.