**Russia Plans “Training” Launch of Nuclear-Capable Missile, Ukraine Says**
In a move that has raised tensions between Russia and the West, Moscow is planning to launch a nuclear-capable RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile on May 19. This comes just hours before a scheduled phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), the missile will be equipped with a “training” warhead, which is likely intended to intimidate not only Ukraine but also EU and NATO member states. The possible launch follows peace talks in Istanbul on May 16, where Russia and Ukraine reportedly failed to reach an agreement.
**A Message of Intimidation**
The planned launch is seen as a message from Moscow to the West that it will not be intimidated by sanctions or diplomatic efforts. By launching a nuclear-capable missile, Russia may be trying to show its military prowess and demonstrate that it is not afraid to use force.
The RS-24 Yars missile system was adopted by Russia in 2009 and has a claimed range of 11,000 kilometers. When equipped with a combat warhead, the explosive power of this missile is equivalent to a million tons of TNT.
**Echoes of Previous Missile Strikes**
This planned launch echoes a previous incident where Russia used an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) in an attack on Dnipro on November 21, 2024. That strike was followed by a Russian media campaign aimed at eroding Western support for Ukraine.
In this context, the planned launch of the RS-24 Yars missile may be seen as another attempt by Russia to pressure the West and undermine Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself.
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