New images of debris from Russian strikes in Ukraine strongly indicate Moscow has used a 9M729 cruise missile, the same weapon whose development prompted former U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw from the 2019 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, as reported by Reuters. This confirms concerns about the erosion of nuclear arms control.
Experts analyzed fragments of the missile provided by Ukrainian law enforcement sources. The debris, recovered in western Ukraine, including Zhytomyr, Lviv, Khmelnytskyi, and Vinnytsia regions, bore markings consistent with the 9M729, confirming its deployment in combat, as reported by Reuters.
This is the first visual evidence published showing Russia’s use of the nuclear-capable missile in Ukraine, where it has reportedly been fired dozens of times since 2022.
The 9M729 cruise missile, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, has a range of about 2,500 kilometers, allowing it to reach European capitals. Its use underscores vulnerabilities in global arms control, especially as the New START treaty recently expired. Analysts argue that deploying the missile in Ukraine allows military experts to study its performance and examine fragments for intelligence purposes.
Previously, the missile had been cited by the U.S. as violating the INF Treaty, which banned ground-launched missiles over 500 kilometers. Russia denies the violation but confirms its development. Observers note the unusual use of a nuclear-capable missile in active combat, suggesting Moscow may be willing to risk exposing sensitive technology, as reported by Reuters.
Recent attacks with the 9M729 have caused civilian casualties, including a strike on October 5, 2025, in Lviv’s Lapaiivka village, killing five people. The missile has been investigated in multiple regions of Ukraine. European nations are investing in long-range weapons to counter Russia’s capabilities.
The 9M729’s deployment illustrates how Cold War-era arms control agreements are unraveling, with serious consequences for European security and global nuclear stability.
