Ukraine seeks advanced US missile defence amidst Russian threat
Ukraine is seeking methods of defence against intercontinental missiles. It aims to acquire THAAD systems or upgraded Patriot systems in response to Russia's use of experimental missiles, reports Interfax-Ukraine.
Currently, negotiations are underway with American partners to supply the appropriate equipment to shoot down Russian missiles. "According to our data, the number of these new experimental missiles is very limited," a source said. Russian missiles surpass traditional missiles in altitude and speed.
On Thursday, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile launched from the Astrakhan region, which landed near the city of Dnipro. This missile, capable of carrying nuclear payloads, has a range of up to 6,000 kilometres. Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) indicates that it was most likely a Kedr missile with six warheads.
Russian threat
The General Staff of Ukraine emphasises that Russia's goal is to intimidate Ukrainian society. The new missiles surpass traditional rockets in technical parameters, posing a serious challenge for Ukrainian defence.
Andriy Kovalenko from Ukraine's Security Council also stated that Russia was promoting the notion of an increased nuclear war threat to influence support for Ukraine.
Putin signed a decree
Let us remember that the updated doctrine by Putin suggests that the basis for a nuclear attack on the enemy can be "aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation", as well as a massive air attack with non-nuclear means, including drones.
