Ukraine has announced that it will be capable of deploying ballistic missiles against Russian targets within a matter of months, according to a senior Ukrainian official. The statement, reported by The Guardian, signals a significant escalation in Kyiv's offensive capabilities as the war with Russia enters its third year.
Missile capability timeline
Oleksandr Turchynov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, said that domestic production of ballistic missiles is progressing faster than expected. He told The Guardian that Ukraine would have operational ballistic missiles "within months," without specifying an exact date. The missiles are part of a broader effort to modernize Ukraine's arsenal and reduce reliance on Western supplies.
Turchynov emphasized that the missiles would be used to strike Russian military infrastructure, including command centers, logistics hubs, and ammunition depots. He stated, "We are doing everything to ensure that the enemy feels the consequences of their aggression on their own territory."
Strategic implications
Military analysts note that Ukraine's development of ballistic missiles could shift the balance on the battlefield. Ballistic missiles are harder to intercept than cruise missiles, posing a new threat to Russian air defenses. The announcement comes amid ongoing Western military aid, but Kyiv has increasingly focused on building its own defense industry.
The Guardian reports that Ukraine has already tested several domestically produced missile systems, though details remain classified. The new missiles are expected to have a range of several hundred kilometers, potentially reaching deep into Russian-occupied territories and beyond.
International reaction and next steps
The Kremlin has not yet commented on the announcement. However, Russian officials have previously warned that any Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil would be met with a harsh response. Western allies have generally supported Ukraine's right to defend itself, but some have expressed caution about strikes inside Russia.
Ukraine's defense ministry is expected to release more technical details in the coming weeks. The deployment of ballistic missiles would mark a major milestone in Ukraine's military self-sufficiency, but experts caution that production timelines could slip due to resource constraints and ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian defense plants.
