Russia’s Missile Strike in Ukraine ‘Escalatory and Unacceptable’: UK, France, Germany

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have strongly condemned Russia’s use of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in western Ukraine, calling the attack “escalatory and unacceptable,” a UK government spokeswoman said on Friday.

The issue was discussed during a phone call between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, amid growing concern in Europe over Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine.

According to the spokeswoman, Prime Minister Starmer told his French and German counterparts that Russia appeared to be relying on “fabricated allegations” to justify the missile strike. The leaders agreed that the attack marked a dangerous escalation in the conflict and further undermined prospects for de-escalation.

The Oreshnik missile, classified as an intermediate-range ballistic missile, represents a significant show of force and has raised alarm among Ukraine’s allies, who fear a widening of the war and increased risks to regional security.

The leaders reiterated their continued support for Ukraine and stressed the need for Russia to adhere to international law. They also underlined the importance of maintaining unity among European partners in responding to what they described as Moscow’s increasingly aggressive posture.

The call comes as Western governments continue to assess further diplomatic and security responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.