Russia's use of an intercontinental ballistic missile to attack Ukraine is yet another escalation by the Kremlin. Putin has no intention of negotiating peace, but continues to escalate tensions using nuclear rhetoric.
This was stated by EU spokesman Peter Stano, Ukrinform reports.
"We are certainly following reports that Russia has used an intercontinental ballistic missile against a target or targets in Ukraine... Obviously, such an attack or attacks would be a clear sign of escalation on Putin's part," Stano said.
The spokesman stressed that Putin began the escalation by creating a food and energy crisis, and is now trying to turn hunger and winter into a weapon, directing drones, guided bombs and missiles against Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure, and continuing terror against civilians.
"He is again betting the nuclear game with Russia's recently updated nuclear doctrine. He has brought North Korean soldiers to European soil. All of this is a clear sign of his desire for escalation, not his will to find ways to peace. So if they (the Russians - ed.) did use an intercontinental missile, it would be a qualitative change in Putin's approach and a clear sign of escalation," the EU spokesman added.
Asked whether Russia's use of intercontinental weapons against Ukraine would be a preparation for a nuclear strike, the spokesman noted that Putin has been using nuclear blackmail since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"Russia or Putin - they have been relying on nuclear weapons all the time since the beginning of this war against the people of Ukraine. It started with the occupation and military operation near the ZNPP. Let's not forget that it is still occupied by Russian soldiers who are fighting very close to the plant. Every day he raises the issue of nuclear doctrine or nuclear revenge and so on. So they are playing this nuclear gamble. What they really mean is hard to predict... We can only see that it is irresponsible and it is a global threat not only to stability but also to security not only in Europe but all over the world," he said.
According to Stano, Putin's every step in the war against Ukraine is a signal to the whole world that Putin is an unpredictable aggressor.
"Putin is an unpredictable aggressor who, by the way, is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. This (the use of intercontinental weapons - ed.) is not a signal of his readiness to reach peace. He is thinking about escalation, not peace," the EU spokesman added.