Additional Coverage:
- Zelenskyy says Ukraine carried out its first test of a new weapon, its first ballistic missile (newsbreak.com)
In a recent development from Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the Ukraine 2024 Independence Forum in Kyiv that the nation has successfully conducted its first test of a domestically produced ballistic missile. Zelenskyy, while not disclosing many details about the missile itself or its capabilities, highlighted this innovation as a crucial advancement in Ukraine’s defense sector.
The introduction of a Ukrainian-made ballistic missile represents a significant achievement, particularly at a time when Ukraine faces limitations on using Western-supplied missiles against targets outside its borders. The U.S., for instance, has supplied Ukraine with tactical ballistic missiles like the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) but has restricted their use to within Ukraine’s borders.
Ukrainian officials have been advocating for the removal of these restrictions to enhance their defensive capabilities against Russian forces, which continue to launch missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Zelenskyy mentioned the missile test during a broader conversation about Ukraine’s self-manufactured weaponry, which includes a variety of items from naval drones to anti-ship missiles that have been adapted for land attacks. Additionally, Ukraine recently introduced a new long-range drone in combat, capable of targeting numerous Russian military airfields.
Following Russia’s largest attack on Ukraine since the conflict began, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized the need for more long-range weapons to effectively counter Russian aggression. He stressed the importance of lifting restrictions on targeting Russian military sites to ensure Ukraine can effectively defend itself and secure victory.
This announcement came as part of a report by UNITED24, a Ukrainian government-backed initiative that supports the country’s war efforts through fundraising initiatives.