Background on the 9M729 Missile and its Implications
Russia has been accused of using the 9M729 missile, also known as the SSC-8, in attacks against Ukraine over the past few months. This development is tied to former US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia during his first term. The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, confirmed this use of the 9M729 missile, marking the first official acknowledgment.
The 9M729 Missile and its Range
The 9M729 missile, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads, has a reported range of 2,500 kilometers according to the Missile Threat website by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. This range exceeds the 500-kilometer limit set by the INF Treaty, which was why the United States withdrew from it in 2019.
Russia’s Use of the 9M729 in Ukraine
According to a high-ranking Ukrainian official, Russia has launched the 9M729 missile 23 times against Ukraine since August, with two additional launches in 2022. One such launch on October 5 reportedly traveled over 1,200 kilometers to its target in Ukraine.
Impact on Diplomatic Efforts and Arms Control
Sybiha stated that Russia’s use of the 9M729, which violates the INF Treaty, demonstrates a lack of respect for both the United States and former President Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Kiev supports Trump’s peace proposals and believes that increasing Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities would persuade Moscow to end its war.
Ukraine’s Request for Tomahawk Missiles
Ukrainian officials have urged the United States to supply Tomahawk missiles, which are not restricted by the INF Treaty when launched from naval vessels. However, Russia has warned that such a move would escalate tensions.
“A Threat to European Security”
Military analysts from the West argue that Russia’s use of the 9M729 missile in Ukraine expands its long-range arsenal for attacks and serves as a warning to Europe while Trump seeks a peace agreement. William Alberque, an adjunct senior fellow at the Pacific Forum, believes Putin is increasing pressure as part of negotiations regarding Ukraine.
Russia’s Recent Missile Tests
In addition to the 9M729, Russia has recently tested its nuclear-powered cruise missile Burevestnik and a nuclear-powered torpedo called Poseidon. The White House has not directly addressed questions about Russia’s use of the 9M729.
Consequences of Withdrawing from the INF Treaty
Following the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, which banned ground-launched missiles with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers, Russia declared a moratorium on deploying intermediate-range missiles. However, Western nations accused Russia of already deploying some 9M729 missiles.
Security Implications for Europe
John Foreman, a former British defense attaché in Moscow and Kyiv, emphasized that if Russia is confirmed to be using INF-range missiles, potentially nuclear, in Ukraine, it poses a significant threat to European security, not just to Ukraine.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the 9M729 missile? The 9M729, also known as the SSC-8, is a ground-launched cruise missile with a reported range of 2,500 kilometers. It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.
- Why did the US withdraw from the INF Treaty? The United States withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, citing Russia’s violation of the agreement by developing and deploying the 9M729 missile, which exceeded the treaty’s range limit of 500 kilometers.
- How has Russia’s use of the 9M729 affected diplomatic efforts? Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, stated that Russia’s use of the 9M729 demonstrates a lack of respect for both the United States and former President Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- What are the security implications for Europe? If Russia is confirmed to be using INF-range missiles in Ukraine, it poses a significant threat to European security, according to John Foreman, a former British defense attaché in Moscow and Kyiv.
