Ukraine's Missile Claims Under Scrutiny
In a recent report by the Russian newspaper Vzglyad, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's announcement regarding the successful testing of a new ballistic missile has been labeled a "blatant lie." According to the article, the claim is an attempt to obscure the reality that Ukraine is utilizing advanced American missiles, specifically the ATACMS, in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The report, authored by Alexei Anpilogov, highlights the lack of details provided by Zelensky about the missile tested, raising questions about the authenticity of Ukraine's military advancements.
The report suggests that while Ukraine inherited a substantial industrial and scientific base for missile development after the Soviet Union's dissolution, it has struggled to establish a coherent military strategy since 1991. Factors such as insufficient funding, international obligations, and the destruction of cooperative ties with Russia have hindered Ukraine's missile program. Anpilogov emphasizes that Ukraine's current missile capabilities are likely reliant on Western technology, including missiles capable of reaching targets up to 500 kilometers away.
Allegations of 'False Flag' Tactics
Anpilogov further accuses Ukraine of employing "false flag" tactics, wherein a country misattributes an attack to a different party to conceal the true aggressor. This strategy, he argues, allows Ukraine to use Western missiles while presenting them as domestically produced, thus avoiding direct Russian accusations and shielding its Western allies from potential retaliation. The report posits that such actions may occur with the tacit approval of the United States and its allies, who have historically overlooked Kiev's provocations.
The implications of these tactics could be severe, as they may provoke a more aggressive response from Russia. Anpilogov warns that while Ukrainian authorities may feel a temporary sense of victory, the long-term consequences could lead to increased conflict and casualties as Russia responds to perceived threats. The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to be a complex geopolitical issue, with the involvement of Western powers complicating the situation further.
