Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Fires “Banned” 9M729 Missiles 23 Times — Fallout of Trump’s Broken Nuclear Treaty
Russia Uses Missile Once Banned Under INF Treaty
In a stunning revelation, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has confirmed that Russia has launched the 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile multiple times in recent months — the very missile that led to the collapse of the INF (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty between the U.S. and Russia in 2019.
The Missile That Broke a Global Pact
The 9M729 missile is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads and has a range of nearly 2,500 kilometers, enough to strike any target across Europe. The U.S. had accused Russia of violating the INF Treaty — which allowed missiles with a range of only up to 500 km — leading then-President Donald Trump to withdraw from the pact. Russia denied the allegations at the time.
23 Attacks Since August — Four Killed in Latest Strike
According to a Reuters report, a senior Ukrainian official revealed that Russia has fired this missile 23 times since August. The most recent attack took place on October 5, when a 9M729 missile traveled 1,200 km to strike a residential building in Lapayivka, killing four civilians. Missile debris with “9M729” markings confirmed its use.
“Putin Is Defying Global Rules” — Ukraine’s Outrage
Minister Sybiha accused President Vladimir Putin of deliberately challenging international norms, saying, “The use of a missile banned under the INF Treaty shows Putin’s total disregard for global diplomacy.” He added that Ukraine still supports Trump’s peace proposals but emphasized that “maximum pressure on Russia is the only way to end this war.”
Strategic Advantage and Global Concern
Experts believe Russia is using the 9M729 to hit deep inside Ukraine while maintaining a “safe distance” from the battlefield. Because the missile is mobile and ground-launched, it can be hidden easily and fired from within Russian territory, reducing retaliation risks.
Defense analyst Douglas Barrie noted, “Russia may have started by testing the missile in real combat, but after 23 launches, it’s clearly part of their military strategy now.”
Alarm Bells for Europe
Former UK Defense Attaché John Foreman warned that if proven, the use of such missiles poses a grave threat to European security. “These missiles can easily carry nuclear warheads and reach European borders within minutes,” he said.
New Nuclear Era Begins?
Adding to global tensions, Russia recently announced tests of its nuclear-capable Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater nuclear torpedo. The U.S. has not issued an official response yet, but Donald Trump has reportedly instructed the U.S. military to resume nuclear weapons testing, signaling a potential new Cold War-era arms race.
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