Russia’s use of an intercontinental ballistic missile to attack Ukraine marks a dangerous escalation by the Kremlin, showing that President Vladimir Putin has no intention of seeking peace. Instead, he continues to intensify tensions with nuclear rhetoric.
EU spokesman Peter Stano made this statement during a press briefing in Brussels, as reported by Ukrinform.
"We are closely monitoring reports that Russia has used an intercontinental ballistic missile against Ukraine. Such actions, if confirmed, clearly indicate further escalation by Putin," Stano said.
He emphasized that Russia’s actions leave no doubt about the Kremlin’s intent to escalate the conflict further. Putin has already created food and energy crises, weaponized hunger and winter, and continues to launch drones, missiles, and bombs against Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure, terrorizing the population.
"Putin is once again playing the nuclear card, reinforced by Russia's updated nuclear doctrine. He has even brought North Korean soldiers to European soil. All of this shows his desire for escalation rather than any willingness to seek peace. If the use of an intercontinental missile is confirmed, it would mark a significant escalation in his approach," Stano added.
When asked whether the use of intercontinental weapons might signal preparations for a nuclear strike, Stano noted that nuclear blackmail has been part of Russia’s strategy since the invasion of Ukraine began.
"From the start of this war, Putin has relied on nuclear threats—whether through military operations near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains occupied, or through constant references to nuclear doctrine and revenge. It’s a dangerous gamble that poses a global threat, not just to Europe but to the entire world," he said.
Stano described Putin as an unpredictable aggressor, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. "Every step of his aggression against Ukraine sends a clear message to Ukrainians, Europeans, Americans, and the international community: Putin is not looking for peace. His focus is on escalation."
On the morning of November 21, Russian forces launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, the "Kinjal," alongside seven Kh-101 cruise missiles over the Dnipro River. Ukrainian anti-aircraft units destroyed six of the Kh-101 missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that an investigation is underway to analyze the new Russian missile, believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile.
