Kremlin distances itself from Novator missile attacks on Ukraine
Photo: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
The Kremlin refused to comment to the press on launches of the banned 9M729 Novator missiles against Ukraine. Instead, journalists were “advised” to contact the Russian Ministry of Defense, reports Reuters.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, responding to a question from the media on whether Russia had indeed launched missiles banned under international treaties at Ukraine, said that journalists should address their inquiries to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
“This question should be addressed to the military - what specific missiles, delivery systems, and weapons are being used. This should be asked of the Ministry of Defense,” he said.
When journalists reminded him that it was precisely because of the banned 9M729 Novator missile that the United States withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019, Peskov claimed that this was allegedly false.
“If you remember this story, in fact, the American side did make claims at that time, but the Russian side refuted all these claims very convincingly and, on the contrary, explained that the claims were unfounded,” the Kremlin spokesman said.
Earlier, Reuters, citing its own sources, reported that Russia has been using the banned 9M729 Novator missile against Ukraine. It was this missile that led the United States to withdraw from the nuclear treaty in 2019. The Russians have launched it more than 20 times.
The INF Treaty prohibited the development and production of missiles capable of carrying a nuclear warhead with a range of more than 500 km. Russia falsely claimed that the Novator could not fly that far. Meanwhile, analysts estimated the missile’s range at 2,500 km. During the October 5 attack on Ukraine, the Novator flew 1,200 kilometers, exposing the Kremlin’s lie.
Read more about the banned 9M729 Novator missile.
