NATO, Ukraine to meet over Russian hypersonic missile strike

NATO and Ukrainian officials will hold talks next week in Brussels regarding Russia’s recent use of a hypersonic intermediate-range missile, diplomats confirmed on November 22.

The NATO-Ukraine Council ambassadors will convene on November 26 to discuss the missile strike on the city of Dnipro, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on November 21 that Moscow had launched a new-generation intermediate-range missile, which he suggested could carry a nuclear payload. A NATO spokesperson responded, emphasizing that the deployment of such missiles would not alter the course of the conflict nor deter NATO members from continuing their support for Ukraine.

Putin stated that the missile strike was a retaliation for Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons supplied by the United States and the United Kingdom, which targeted Russian territory. He also warned that Russia considers itself "entitled" to strike military facilities in countries that permit Ukraine to use their weapons against Russia.

This escalation follows Ukraine's recent use of long-range missiles supplied by the US and UK, marking a significant increase in tensions as the conflict enters its third year.

The United States, a leading NATO member, condemned Russia for "escalating at every turn" in the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also revealed that Moscow had notified Washington via the automatic nuclear de-escalation hotline about the missile launch 30 minutes before it occurred.

By Vafa Guliyeva