Staff Reports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put the world on alert after confirming a Russian missile strike that appears to showcase a “new” model. This missile, suspected to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), hasn’t been officially identified as such by Ukraine’s experts yet. The audacity of Russia’s “insane neighbor” continues to provoke a wave of disbelief as Zelensky casts a spotlight on Putin’s twisted obsession with maintaining control over Ukraine and its neighbors.
In the early hours of Thursday, Zelensky revealed that the already strained skies over Dnipro had become the site of what could potentially be a nuclear-capable ICBM. Thankfully, this round apparently packed a conventional punch unlike what some might fear. In a show of military might, the Russians fired this suspected ICBM alongside a barrage of other missiles. Interestingly, Ukraine’s Western allies haven’t rushed to confirm the missile type, perhaps because they’re still trying to untangle the mess of Biden’s foreign policy.
Today, our insane neighbor has once again revealed its true nature—its disdain for dignity, freedom, and human life itself. And, most of all, its fear.
Fear so overwhelming that it unleashes missile after missile, scouring the globe for more weapons—whether from Iran or North… pic.twitter.com/tEsZ0Uu1bt
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 21, 2024
In a rather theatrical statement, Zelensky criticized Putin for sowing chaos and destruction throughout not only Ukraine but also in surrounding nations. He portrayed Russia’s actions as a desperate cry of fear, with missiles flying left and right, desperate to secure more weapons from allies like Iran and North Korea. Instead of a might-is-right philosophy, one could suggest Putin is operating from a place of sheer panic, fearing instability at home and abroad.
The missile strike aligns with swirling rumors that President Biden may have greenlit the use of long-range American Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles for Ukraine to target within Russia. While neither the White House nor Zelensky’s administration have confirmed these reports, speculation abounds. In a world where everyone seems to be tossing missiles, it’s unclear who’s really pulling the strings.
Zelensky lamented over the state of affairs, stating that Ukraine seems to be a testing playground for Russia’s latest military gadgets. As he marked the Day of Dignity and Freedom, he couldn’t help but recall the troubled history of Ukrainian leadership, from post-Soviet chaos to the rising threats from the Kremlin. With talk of past leaders, one has to wonder whether Putin’s obsession with Ukrainian governance could have been avoided had the world decided on decisive action earlier.
As details about casualties emerge—at least two people injured from this latest strike—it becomes blatantly clear that this ongoing conflict is far from a diplomatic dance. The escalation of ICBM capabilities could lead to a significant turning point in the long-standing conflict that kicked off with Russia’s notorious annexation of Crimea in 2014. What remains to be seen is whether a new administration in the U.S. would prioritize peace negotiations or further escalate tensions with showy military displays. If only Biden could muster a little more decisiveness before leaving office, serene skies might be just around the corner.
