The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that it shot down “two British-made Storm Shadow+ cruise missiles” launched from Ukraine and targeting its territory, without specifying the location or time of this interception.
British media announced on Wednesday that Kiev used these long-range missiles for the first time after receiving permission from London.
The Kremlin on Thursday declined to comment on Ukraine’s accusation that Moscow launched on its territory for the first time an intercontinental missile, a type of weapon designed as part of nuclear deterrence but which can be armed with a conventional payload.
“I have nothing to say on this topic,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, when questioned by the media on this topic during a daily briefing.
Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile in an attack on the city of Dnipro in east-central Ukraine on Thursday, for the first time since the invasion began in 2022, the Ukrainian Air Force charged.
“An intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of Russia,” the air force said in a statement. “It’s the first time. We have never had this type of missile before,” an army source told AFP. These types of missiles are designed to carry nuclear warheads and strike thousands of kilometers away.
Twelve Ukrainians from Mariupol, a city devastated by bombs, are preparing to return to the country with in their suitcases the gastronomic ammunition acquired during their internship with the starred chef Thierry Marx, in Toulouse, in the south-west of France. “Cooking is the only serious way to ignite the bond of trust, this strength of the social bond is important, even more so in a country at war,” says Thierry Marx.
“We wanted to create something useful and comforting. To stay in Ukraine you need security, but also accommodation and work”, observes Edward Mayor, president of the NGO Stand with Ukraine, responsible for the creation of the restaurant and this training in Toulouse. “Cooking”, he continues , “it is a way to rebuild after a trauma”.
In the “Cantine de Mariupol” in Dnipro, a catering and meeting place, the trainees trained in Toulouse will be able to cook for the community “and train other Ukrainians”, rejoices Thierry Marx who will hold a masterclass there.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday to “bring together more voices committed to peace to pave the way for a political solution” to the war in Ukraine, the official Xinhua news agency reported. He declared this to the press after a meeting with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as part of his state visit to Brasilia.
The Biden administration, though critical of landmines because of their danger to civilians, sought on Wednesday to justify its decision to send such weapons to Ukraine.
“Mechanized forces are no longer in the lead. They’re advancing on foot to get closer and do things to clear the way for mechanized forces,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, speaking of a change in Russian tactics on the battlefield. The Ukrainians “need things that can help slow down this effort by the Russians,” he added as the advance of Russian troops accelerates into eastern Ukraine.
And, according to Lloyd Austin, the mines supplied by the United States are “non-persistent”, that is, equipped with a self-destruction or self-deactivation device, which would theoretically limit the risks to civilians. They can self-destruct or become inactive after losing battery power.
Before Donald Trump’s return to the White House on January 20, Joe Biden is intensifying his support for Kiev every day. Washington announced on Wednesday about $275 million in new U.S. military aid to Ukraine. In this case one point is controversial: it concerns in particular the delivery of anti-personnel mines. This choice also comes a few days after Washington gave the green light to Volodymyr Zelenskyj to strike on Russian territory with American-made long-range missiles, used in the process by Kiev, a red line for Moscow.
How might international diplomacy influence the resolution of hostilities in Ukraine?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Expert Dr. Elena Petrov
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Petrov. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen some significant developments in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly the use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles and the recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by Russia. What do you make of these events?
Dr. Elena Petrov: Good afternoon, it’s a pleasure to be here. The situation is indeed alarming. The British-made Storm Shadow missiles represent a significant capability for Ukraine, allowing them to conduct long-range strikes. The fact that this is the first instance of their use indicates a shift in Ukraine’s operational strategy, now equipped with more advanced weaponry.
Time.news Editor: That’s interesting. Is this likely to escalate tensions further? How does Russia view this development?
Dr. Elena Petrov: Absolutely. For Russia, the introduction of these missiles poses a direct threat to its territorial security. The Russian Defense Ministry’s announcement about intercepting these missiles could be interpreted as both a show of capability and a warning. The Kremlin has consistently framed Western military support for Ukraine as intolerable, so this latest development will certainly heighten their rhetoric and could provoke retaliatory measures.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of retaliatory measures, Russia’s alleged use of an intercontinental ballistic missile against Ukraine marks a significant escalation. What does this type of weapon imply for the conflict?
Dr. Elena Petrov: Yes, the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is unprecedented in this conflict. Traditionally associated with nuclear deterrence, the deployment of such a weapon—even with a conventional payload—signals Russia’s willingness to intensify its military engagement. It showcases not just their technological capabilities but also sends a powerful message: that they are prepared to escalate the conflict if necessary.
Time.news Editor: In light of these events, how important is international diplomacy? Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a political solution. Do you think that can materialize amidst such military actions?
Dr. Elena Petrov: Diplomacy is critically important, especially now. While Xi Jinping’s call for peace is noteworthy, it remains to be seen how much influence China will have over Russia’s actions. The reality is that military actions often overshadow diplomatic efforts, and rebuilding trust will take significant time and effort. However, engaging more global actors in the dialog could pave the way for some form of resolution. The challenge lies in the willingness of both sides to compromise, especially given the high stakes involved.
Time.news Editor: Your insights are invaluable, Dr. Petrov. One last question: What can be anticipated in the near future regarding the community rebuilding efforts in Ukraine, such as those seen with the culinary initiatives from Ukrainian trainees in Toulouse?
Dr. Elena Petrov: It’s heartwarming to see initiatives that focus on rebuilding community trust and providing hope. Cooking can indeed be therapeutic and provide a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. These efforts not only help to restore a sense of identity but also foster resilience among the people. As they bring skills home, such projects can be pivotal in the reconstruction phase, serving both social and economic functions. I believe more such initiatives will emerge as communities strive to reclaim their lives after trauma.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s a complex situation, and your perspective is crucial as we navigate these developments.
Dr. Elena Petrov: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep discussing these issues as they evolve.