Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia will continue to use and test its experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile, following a recent strike on Ukraine.
This missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, was tested on Ukrainian territory and has drawn widespread international condemnation.
Speaking at a defense conference on Friday, Putin refuted U.S. claims that Russia possesses only a few of these high-speed missiles, saying that the country has enough of the systems for continued testing in “combat conditions.”
READ ALSO: Mother Watches in Silence as Boyfriend Kills Her Toddler in Brutal Attack
He added that the tests had been successful and would continue, depending on the threats posed to Russia’s security.
The missile, which U.S. officials have described as a modified version of Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, was used in a strike on a rocket factory in Dnipro, Ukraine.
Russian officials claim that the missile could strike targets across Europe, giving it a strategic advantage over other long-range weapons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the missile testing an “international crime,” urging global condemnation of Russia’s actions.
Zelenskyy highlighted the danger posed by the missile and directed Ukraine’s defense minister to consult with international allies on securing new air defense systems to protect against this new threat.
READ ALSO: Remains Found Over 50 Years Ago Identified as Missing Pennsylvania Girl
The use of such a weapon has escalated tensions in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with NATO and Ukrainian officials scheduled for emergency talks on Tuesday.
Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, warned that the conflict was entering a “decisive phase,” and the situation was growing increasingly dire.
While U.S. officials have downplayed the missile’s impact on the war, calling it not a “gamechanger,” the strike has reignited fears of further escalations.
Zelenskyy also called on countries, including China and members of the global south, to join in condemning Russia’s actions, warning that Russia’s military aggression would only intensify without international intervention.