Core Points - Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed the use of Russia's land-based 9M729 missiles against Ukraine, marking the first official acknowledgment of their operational deployment in conflict [1] - The 9M729 missile's development and deployment have been controversial, leading to the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019 due to allegations of its range exceeding treaty limits [2] - The missile is reported to have a maximum range of 2,500 kilometers, significantly surpassing the 500-kilometer limit set by the INF Treaty [2] - The missile's precision and tactical advantages include a guidance system that can control errors within 2 meters, allowing for accurate strikes [3] - The use of the 9M729 missile by Russia is seen as a geopolitical maneuver, increasing security risks in Europe and challenging U.S. diplomatic efforts for peace in Ukraine [4] Summary by Sections Missile Performance and Controversy - The 9M729 missile's development led to the U.S. exit from the INF Treaty, with accusations of its actual range exceeding the treaty's limits [2] - The missile can carry nuclear or conventional warheads and has been confirmed to have a range of at least 1,200 kilometers in recent strikes [2] Geopolitical Implications - The deployment of the 9M729 missile reflects Russia's disregard for U.S. diplomatic efforts and is viewed as a threat to European security [4] - Analysts suggest that the missile's use serves both military operational purposes and strategic deterrence [6] Military Strategy and Testing - The high mobility and concealment of the 9M729 missile's launch systems pose new challenges for Ukraine's air defense [6] - Some missiles may have been launched without explosives, indicating a dual purpose of testing and strategic signaling [6]

Group 1 - The risk of global nuclear confrontation remains high, with the potential for nuclear conflict still present. Western countries need to understand that all of Russia's arsenals are securely under control and serve to defend the nation [1] - Russia possesses not only the new hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile "Zarnitsa" but also the latest weaponry. The measures taken by Russia in weapon deployment are responses to actions taken by the US and its allies in this domain [1] - Russia will continue to suspend the deployment of intermediate and short-range missiles only if the US and its allies change their missile system deployment policies positively, particularly by freezing such deployments in the Asia-Pacific and European regions [1] Group 2 - Russia announced on August 4 that it will no longer maintain its self-imposed restrictions on the deployment of land-based intermediate and short-range missile systems, which were previously suspended unilaterally. The US had unilaterally exited the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019 [2]

Core Points - Russia asserts its right to deploy intermediate-range missiles without restrictions, indicating a shift in its military strategy [1] - The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the end of its self-imposed limitations on the deployment of land-based intermediate and short-range missile systems, previously maintained under the INF Treaty [1] - The INF Treaty, signed in December 1987, prohibited the possession, production, or testing of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with ranges between 500 and 5500 kilometers [1] - The treaty effectively ended after the U.S. initiated its withdrawal process in February 2019, followed by Russia's announcement in August 2019 [1]