Russia deploys banned missile in Ukraine, raising European security concerns

Friday 31 October 2025 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Russia deploys banned missile in Ukraine, raising European security concerns

Russia's military has confirmed the use of the 9M729 cruise missile in Ukraine, a weapon whose development previously led to the collapse of a Cold War-era arms control treaty. Ukrainian officials revealed this week that the missile, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, has been used in at least 25 strikes since August. Its deployment signals heightened risks to European security as tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate.

Deployment of a Cold War-era weapon

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia launched the 9M729 missile, also known as the SSC-8 under NATO classification, on multiple occasions. A recent strike on October 5 hit the village of Lapaivka in the Lviv region, killing four civilians. The missile reportedly traveled over 1,200 kilometers, highlighting its long-range capabilities. Analysis of recovered missile fragments confirmed its identity.

The missile's extended range allows Russia to strike from deep within its own territory, complicating Ukraine's air defense systems. Military analyst Douglas Barrie noted that this capability "offers Russia alternative attack vectors and increases the challenge for air defense."

A broader threat to European security

The 9M729 missile was a key factor in the 2019 collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, initially signed in 1987. The treaty's dissolution came after the United States accused Russia of secretly developing and deploying the missile, a violation of the agreement. Now, its use in Ukraine has reignited fears of a growing nuclear threat across Europe.

While the missile's primary deployment targets Ukraine, defense experts warn that its design allows it to strike across Europe. In August, Russia declared it would remove self-imposed limits on deploying intermediate-range missiles, further escalating tensions.

Western analysts see this move as a strategic test of the missile's combat effectiveness while leveraging its deployment as a pressure tactic in ongoing peace negotiations. Ukrainian officials have described these actions as a deliberate show of disregard for U.S.-led diplomatic efforts.

Renewed arms race concerns

The missile’s use coincides with President Donald Trump's controversial decision to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing for the first time in over three decades, citing competition with Russia and China. This decision has raised alarms about a potential new arms race and the further erosion of global arms control agreements.

As Europe faces the fallout of Russia's missile deployment, the continent’s security landscape grows increasingly uncertain. Analysts warn that the continued use of such weapons could destabilize the region and undermine future peace efforts.