Ukraine has requested missile defense systems from the U.S. capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Kyiv is in discussions with Washington regarding the supply of weapons capable of intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Source. This information was reported by “Ukrinform” citing sources within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Among the systems being discussed are upgraded versions of the Patriot air defense system and Aegis combat complexes, similar to those already stationed at the U.S. naval base in Poland.

A recent strike by Russia on Dnipro using an intercontinental ballistic missile has been described by sources as a demonstrative action. The primary goal of such an attack is intimidation and showcasing Moscow's resolve.

However, according to the interlocutors, Russia possesses only a limited number of such missiles, referred to as “units.”

On November 21, the Russian army launched a massive missile strike on Ukrainian territory. Putin soon stated that this attack involved testing a new medium-range ballistic missile system called “Oreshnik.” According to Putin, the tests were a response to strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Bryansk and Kursk regions, which were carried out using American ATACMS missiles and Franco-British Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles.

The Ukrainian Air Force, in turn, reported that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile for the strike. The Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasized that the attack did not result in serious consequences. In the U.S., it is believed that Russia struck Dnipro with an experimental medium-range missile.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the incident as another step by Moscow towards escalating the conflict. He urged the international community to respond firmly to Russia's actions, which he claimed threaten not only Ukraine but also global security.

Julian Repke, an expert from Bild on open data analysis, believes that the strike on Dnipro reflects Putin's desperation. In his view, launching an expensive experimental missile from a site in Astrakhan, located over 1000 km from the target, appears not as a show of strength but rather as an attempt to instill fear among Ukraine's Western partners. The expert reminded that Ukraine has been successfully resisting aggression for 32 months and expressed confidence that the Kremlin's intimidation tactics will not succeed.