The U.S. tests ballistic missile capable of reaching Russia: tensions escalate!

On May 21, the United States conducted a scheduled test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This event drew considerable attention, as it occurred during a period of heightened international security tensions.

The missile test was part of routine and planned activities. It was stated that the launch aimed to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent remains safe, reliable, and effective in countering 21st-century threats, as well as to reassure U.S. allies.

According to Deutsche Welle, the missile carried a single special warhead (Mark-21 High Fidelity De-Entry) and traveled approximately 6,700 kilometers. The missile's re-entry vehicle accurately hit its target located at a specialized missile defense test range in the central Pacific Ocean.

The Minuteman III missile has been part of the U.S. strategic nuclear forces since 1970. This missile weighs around 36 tons, with a maximum flight range exceeding 9,500 kilometers, and reaches a top speed of over 24,000 kilometers per hour. Currently, the U.S. maintains around 400 of these missiles, each capable of carrying up to three nuclear warheads.

U.S. military officials stated that the test demonstrates the capability of the American nuclear arsenal to effectively and reliably counter modern nuclear threats, while also serving to reassure allies of their security.

Notably, this missile test occurred just one day after Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev made a sharp statement against Western countries. Speaking at an international legal forum in Saint Petersburg, Medvedev accused Western nations of pushing the world toward another global war through their policies toward Russia.

Medvedev also sternly warned countries supporting Kyiv that deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine would turn them into "legitimate military targets" for the Russian army.

This indicates increasing tensions in international relations. Under these circumstances, the missile tests conducted by the U.S. naturally provoke significant reactions in military and political circles.

Zamin.uz continues to closely monitor these developments. How do you evaluate this missile test? Will it worsen relations between the U.S. and Russia, or will the situation be resolved diplomatically?