Ukraine Pushes Domestic Ballistic Missiles to Counter Russia's Air War, Seeking Leverage for Talks
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 19
Ukraine Pushes Domestic Ballistic Missiles to Counter Russia's Air War, Seeking Leverage for Talks
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 19
Summary
Ukrainian officials said Kyiv is accelerating domestic ballistic missile development, arguing the capability is needed to alter the war and strike Russia with far greater force than drones can deliver.
Ballistic missiles carry hundreds of pounds of explosives and are far harder to intercept, a gap that has left Ukraine unable to match the weapon behind Russia's most damaging air assaults.
Russia's repeated ballistic barrages have overwhelmed Ukrainian air defenses and battered the energy grid, especially during winter, even as fighting on the ground has largely stalled.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukrainian ballistic missiles "will exist" and be used against Russia, with Kyiv hoping the added pressure could eventually push Moscow toward negotiations.
Can Ukraine’s new ballistic missiles force Russia to the negotiating table, or will they trigger an even deadlier response?
As Ukraine pivots from cheap drones to costly missiles, will this strategic gamble reshape its asymmetric warfare advantage?
With Russia's hypersonic Oreshnik and Ukraine's new FREYJA defense, who is winning the high-stakes missile technology race?
From FP-9 to Freyja: How Ukraine’s New Missiles and Air Defenses Are Redefining the War and Europe’s Security
Overview
Ukraine is rapidly advancing its defense capabilities by developing the FP-9 ballistic missile, designed by Fire Point to reach targets as far as Moscow. As of June 2026, the main hurdle was engine testing, with test flights expected soon after. If successful, Ukraine could launch its first FP-9 strike by late summer or early fall 2026. Alongside this, Ukraine is preparing to deploy the European Freyja air defense system, aiming to strengthen its air defenses and integrate more closely with European security frameworks. These efforts mark a significant step in Ukraine’s pursuit of greater military autonomy and regional security.