Moscow plans a final test of a new ballistic missile with the potential to maneuver and strike targets hundreds of miles away, posing a serious challenge to Ukraine’s air defenses. According to Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, Russia intends to conduct final tests of a ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 km by the end of the year. This statement was made during a meeting with the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council.
Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explained that advanced maneuverability of such missiles could necessitate more sophisticated interceptors for Ukraine. He noted that these missiles might incorporate terminal maneuvers, complicating their targeting.
There is speculation that Russia might aim to produce these missiles more cheaply or in large quantities. Precision-guided munitions and the shift from unguided weaponry offer clues about the missile type Russia will launch.
Ukrainian military intelligence warns that Russian forces might use the tests for live-fire demonstrations in western Ukraine, as part of standard wartime practice. Karako indicated that while norms are breaking due to war, some tests could be conducted on the battlefield in Ukraine.
“This missile range was previously restricted under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty,” Karako warned. “The INF Treaty, signed by Reagan and Gorbachev in 1987, prohibited missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The US withdrew from the treaty in 2019 due to alleged violations by Russia.”
Missiles and artillery have been pivotal in Russia’s campaign against Ukraine since the war started in 2022. Ukrainian military intelligence reported in August that Russia had exceeded production targets for primary missile types, reaching up to 120%. From early 2026 through August, Russia fired at least 1,858 missiles at Ukraine.
The strain on Ukraine’s air defenses continues, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advocating for more interceptors during difficult months. “I want to have 100-120 interceptor missiles for these tough months,” Zelenskyy stated in a recent interview.
Emma Bussey at Fox News Digital further noted concerns among European nations like Poland, Romania, and the Baltics about Russian military capabilities.