Missile Tensions: The Controversial 9M729 and Its Global Implications

The Kremlin has referred queries regarding a Reuters report on Russia firing 9M729 missiles at Ukraine to its defense ministry. Allegations about this missile breached a nuclear arms treaty, leading to the U.S. withdrawal in 2019. Russia refutes these claims as unfounded.

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has directed inquiries to the Russian defense ministry concerning recent reports about the deployment of 9M729 missiles in Ukraine.

According to a senior Ukrainian source, the missiles, which triggered the U.S. to exit a critical nuclear arms control treaty, have reportedly been used 23 times since August.

The contested missile was at the center of the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019, with accusations of it surpassing a 500km range. Russia denied these allegations, maintaining that all claims were baseless and misleading.

(With inputs from agencies.)