Kremlin orders exposed: Zakharova told to stay silent on missile
During Thursday's briefing, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, staged an unusual scene. She answered a phone call, and her conversation partner was clearly audible to everyone present. There were mentions of an intercontinental missile attack on Ukraine.
9:54 AM EST, November 21, 2024
The call came directly from the Kremlin. A firm male voice on the phone gave an order to the spokesperson. Those gathered had no doubt that this was a directive not open for discussion.
The caller addressed Maria Zakharova by her first name. "Masha [Maria], ballistic missile strikes on Yuzhmash [defense plant in Dnipro]. The Westerners are talking about it now. Don’t comment at all", instructed the voice, which everyone present at the briefing heard over the speaker.
Zakharova was to avoid commenting on the attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, specifically at the Yuzhmash (Southern Machine-Building Plant). As speculated by world media since Thursday morning, an intercontinental ballistic missile was possibly used there.
Call from the Kremlin: Spokesperson received orders during the conference
Russians allegedly attacked a location approximately 60 miles from the front line with an intercontinental missile, Rubezh. This is suggested by Russian services and confirmed by Ukrainian defense.
On November 21, the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a combined missile attack carried out by Russia on Ukrainian territory. Among the missiles used, for the first time in this war, was said to be a strategic range ballistic missile.
According to a Ukrainian Air Force statement, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation, an aero-ballistic missile Kh-47M2 Kinzhal from a MiG-31K fighter in the Tambov region, and seven Ch-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.
Western media have a different perspective. Reports that it was an intercontinental ballistic missile are also refuted by ABC News, citing information from a Western official.
The specific type of missile used is unclear. However, it is apparent that the attack carries political implications. As noted by the portal ZBiAM (Research and Military Analysis Team), a day prior, the United States and several other countries closed their diplomatic missions in Kyiv due to the risk of a massive missile attack. This may indicate awareness of preparations for the Thursday action.
Polish military blogger Filip Dąb-Mirowski comments that the scene at Zakharova's briefing confirms that the Russians are keen on maintaining the impression they are ready for anything. They suggest that they wouldn't hesitate to use a nuclear warhead if necessary.
