Russia is preparing to launch a ballistic missile.

2025-05-18 11:56

Ukraine's military intelligence has issued a warning that Russia is preparing to launch a ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead this Sunday, aimed at intimidating both Ukraine and Western nations.

The missile, an RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile, will be launched from Russia's central Sverdlovsk region for "training and combat" purposes, according to the GUR agency. With a flight range exceeding 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles)—almost twice the distance from Russia to the UK—this missile was displayed during Moscow's Victory Day parade on May 9. Ukraine asserts that this test launch serves as a means to "demonstratively pressure and intimidate Ukraine, as well as EU and NATO member states." Last November, Russia launched what was believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine's Dnipro, although President Vladimir Putin later claimed the missile was an intermediate-range weapon.
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The announcement of the upcoming launch coincides with Putin's remarks on Sunday, where he stated that Russia possesses the "strength and resources" to achieve its goals regarding the invasion of Ukraine. This statement followed his refusal to agree to a proposed 30-day ceasefire that would pave the way for direct negotiations with Kyiv. "We have sufficient strength and resources to reach a logical conclusion for what was initiated in 2022, delivering the results that Russia requires," he stated, providing no further details. On Monday, Putin is set to speak with US President Donald Trump, who is expected to urge the Russian leader to "end the bloodbath." This call comes after a meeting on Sunday between US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican, marking their first official audience since their tense encounter in the Oval Office last February.
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