Ukrainian services have presented photos of missile debris which they claim prove Russia used the 9M729 missile, also known as the SSC-8 or "Screwdriver". This missile was a key reason for the collapse of the INF Treaty banning intermediate-range missiles, which the United States and Russia signed in 1987. According to Ukrainian sources, the missile was launched in January 2026 in the Kharkiv region. Russia has consistently denied the existence of this treaty-violating missile, which led to the US withdrawal from the agreement in 2019.

Evidence in Missile Debris

Ukrainian services published photos of missile elements, including the engine and guidance system, which are said to confirm it is the 9M729 missile. Analysis reportedly indicates a range exceeding 500 kilometers, which would violate the INF Treaty.

Background of the INF Treaty Collapse

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) of 1987 prohibited the possession, testing, and deployment of ballistic and cruise missiles with a range of 500-5500 km. The US accused Russia of developing the 9M729 missile, violating this ban, which led to the US suspending its compliance with the treaty in 2019.

Reactions and Consequences

Ukraine's presentation of evidence aims to increase international pressure on Russia. The event also highlights the challenges in enforcing arms control agreements during an ongoing conflict and may impact future disarmament negotiations.

Ukrainian special services published photos on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, which are said to constitute the first physical evidence of Russian forces using the 9M729 missile on Ukrainian territory. According to the presented materials, the missile, designated in NATO code as SSC-8 "Screwdriver", was launched in January in the Kharkiv region. The published photographs show characteristic elements, including the cruise engine and guidance section, which analysts say clearly identify the weapon. The 9M729 missile is at the center of one of the most serious crises in arms control in recent years. The INF Treaty (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty) was signed in 1987 by Presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, ending the missile crisis in Europe of the 1980s. The agreement banned an entire class of ballistic and cruise missiles with a range of 500 to 5500 kilometers, considered a key step in reducing the risk of nuclear war. The United States accused Russia of testing a missile violating these provisions as early as 2014. Despite years of negotiations and denials from Moscow, the US suspended its treaty obligations in 2019 and subsequently withdrew from it, leading to its de facto collapse. Russia has always claimed that the 9M729 missile has a range below 500 km and thus falls within the treaty limit, a claim contradicted by Western intelligence agencies. Ukraine's presentation of evidence has tactical and strategic significance. Firstly, it aims to expose Russian denials and show a direct violation of international norms. Secondly, it is part of Kyiv's broader information campaign aimed at maintaining international support and isolating Russia. „This is not just another missile. This is the weapon that destroyed the foundations of European security and trust between nuclear powers.” — Military analyst The incident also highlights the challenges associated with verifying compliance with disarmament treaties under conditions of active conflict, where parties do not cooperate and do not admit inspectors. The consequences of this discovery may extend beyond Ukraine, impacting future arms control talks and potentially hindering any new agreements between Russia and the West.

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