"He’s testing you": Zelenskyy points to weak response from allies to ballistic missile strike on Dnipro

Kremlin leader Volodymyr Putin has acknowledged taking a second major step toward escalation this year by using a new ballistic missile. Yet, the global reaction has been notably weak.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this during his evening address on November 21.

"Putin struck our city of Dnipro - one of Ukraine's largest cities. This is an evident and severe escalation of the scale and brutality of this war, a cynical violation of the UN Charter by Russia. Let me emphasize: this is already Russia’s second step toward escalation this year. The first was involving North Korea in the war against Ukraine, deploying at least 11,000 soldiers from its contingent," Zelenskyy noted.

He stressed that Putin has taken both steps while ignoring global calls to avoid expanding the war.

"He doesn’t care about the appeals from China, Brazil, European countries, America, or any other nation. Putin is the sole instigator of this war - an entirely unprovoked war - and the one doing everything to ensure it continues for over a thousand days," the President stated.

The use of a ballistic missile against Ukraine, Zelenskyy said, is further proof that Russia does not want peace. He also dismissed Putin’s claim that Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons was a provocation for escalation.

"We’ve used this weapon before, and we have every right to do so under international law. Our right to self-defense is the same as that of any other nation. When Russian missiles hit our cities, when Iranian "Shahed" drones attack Ukraine nightly, and when a North Korean contingent is stationed at our border, Putin is not only prolonging the war but also spitting in the face of those around the world who genuinely want peace restored," Zelenskyy said.

He also pointed out the weak global response to Russia’s ballistic missile strike.

"Putin is highly sensitive to this. He’s testing you, dear partners. It’s obvious to everyone who the sole culprit of this war is, who started it on February 24, and who pours all their resources into prolonging it. He must be stopped. If there is no strong reaction to Russia’s actions, they see that it’s permissible. This is what Putin is doing. He needs to feel the cost of his deranged ambitions. Action is required. Pressure is necessary," Zelenskyy urged.

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