Russia Fires Treaty-Breaking 9M729 Missiles 23 Times in Ukraine

Ukraine has confirmed that Russia has used the 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile in combat against Ukrainian targets at least 23 times since August, marking the missile's first verified combat deployment. The 9M729, known to NATO as the SSC-8 Screwdriver, is capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads and reportedly has a range exceeding 1,200 kilometers, exceeding limits set by the now-defunct Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The missile's development and use were key factors in the Trump administration's 2019 decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty, a Cold War-era arms control pact that banned such weapons. Ukrainian officials view Russia’s deployment of the missile as both a lethal tactic and a psychological escalation, demonstrating disregard for U.S. diplomatic efforts and signaling intensified military pressure. This resurgence of treaty-banned missile capabilities in the Ukraine conflict highlights increased risks for the region and has prompted Ukraine to seek long-range Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. to counter the threat. Russia’s use of the 9M729 aligns with broader strategic weapons tests, including recent nuclear-capable missile trials, fueling concerns of an escalating arms competition.