Ukraine has a missile that could strike Russian President Vladimir Putin directly as Kyiv looks to bolster its forces in the war against Russia.
Yehor Chernev, the chairman of Ukraine’s delegation to NATO, recently announced that Ukraine‘s Hrim-2 missile is nearly ready to be used.
The weapon can strike as far as Moscow, meaning Ukraine could theoretically use it to hit Putin directly.
Mr Chernev said: “Believe me, there will soon be concrete results that not only Ukraine but also the Russian Federation will see.”
The Hrim-2 is a ballistic missile that carries a 1,100-pound warhead. It has a range of 300 miles and is a major upgrade to Ukraine‘s existing missile arsenal.
It was produced by a Dnirpo-based missile manufacturer – KB Pivdenne.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the Hrim-2’s first successful test in August.
The new weapon comes as Ukraine also agrees a deal with Belgium weapons manufacturer The Thales Belgium supply anti-drone missiles.
Belgian Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin said: “This cooperation will strengthen the Ukrainian defense industry and the protection of critical infrastructure from enemy drones.”
Russia has intensified its drone strikes on Ukraine in recent months.
Kyiv says that, in October, Russia launched more than 2,000 drone strikes on the country.
Russia‘s previous record in the war was 700 in September.
Ukraine is pushing for NATO membership to help protect itself from Russian aggression.
Last month, Mr Zelensky said his country needs membership, warning: “Which of these major nuclear powers suffered? All of them? No. Ukraine [did].
“Who gave up nuclear weapons? All of them? No. Ukraine. Who is fighting today? Ukraine.
“Either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons and that will be our protection or we should have some sort of alliance. Apart from NATO, today we do not know any effective alliances.
“NATO countries are not at war. People are all alive in NATO countries. And thank God. That is why we choose NATO. Not nuclear weapons.”