Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Ukraine War: Russia Accused of Using Controversial INF-Banned Missile
Imagine a rule that said countries shouldn't have very long-range missiles because they can be dangerous.
This rule was called the INF Treaty.
The United States and Russia used to follow it.
But the US left the treaty because they believed Russia was making a missile, called the 9M729, that broke the rule by flying too far.
Russia said this wasn't true.
Now, Ukraine is saying that Russia is using this same missile against them.
This missile is special because it can carry nuclear weapons and fly low to avoid being seen.
Ukraine sees this as Russia not following the rules and being aggressive.
Ukraine claims Russia is using the 9M729 (NATO: SSC-8) ground-launched cruise missile in the ongoing war.
The 9M729 missile is controversial as it allegedly led to the collapse of the 1987 INF Treaty between the US and Russia.
The US withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, citing Russia's violation of the treaty's range limits with the 9M729.
Russia has denied that the 9M729 missile exceeds the treaty's range limitations.
The missile is reportedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads and employs a terrain-following flight profile to evade detection.
- Who
- Ukraine (accuser), Russia (accused)
- What
- Ukraine claims Russia is using the 9M729 (SSC-8) ground-launched cruise missile, a weapon that led to the collapse of the INF Treaty.
- When
- The missile was central to the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019. Ukraine's claims of its use in the ongoing war are recent.
- Where
- The missile is associated with Russia's military actions in Ukraine.
- Why
- Ukraine accuses Russia of using this missile, which was allegedly developed secretly and violates international arms control norms.
- Missile Designation
- 9M729 (NATO: SSC-8)
- Developer
- NPO Novator (Russia)
- Type
- Ground-launched cruise missile
- Capabilities
- Nuclear warheads, terrain-following flight profile
- Development Start
- Mid-2000s
- Flight Testing Start
- 2008
- INF Treaty Violation Claimed
- Range exceeds 500 km limit
- Russia's Stance
- Denied exceeding INF Treaty range limits
Sources
Russia uses 9M729 cruise missile on Ukraine, Zelensky’s FM claims. Here’s why it’s concerning for Trump
Burevestnik missile: How Russia’s new nuclear powered weapon can change the arms race
Ukraine accuses Russia of using INF-banned 9M729 missiles in repeated strikes
