The Pentagon was scheduled to test a Minute Man III intercontinental missile, but decided to cancel it to avoid a “misunderstanding” amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, spokesman John Kirby confirmed. .
The official pointed out that the missile test could have led to the conclusion that the United States intends to participate actively in the armed conflict, something that it does not have planned.
“In order to demonstrate that we have no intention of engaging in any action that could be misconstrued or misrepresented, the Secretary of Defense has ordered that the launch of our test of Minute Man Three intercontinental ballistic missiles scheduled for this week,” Kirby said Wednesday at his press conference.
Kirby acknowledged that the decision also occurs after the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, put his security team “on alert”. deterrence, which contemplates the management of nuclear forces.
The official added that the government of President Joe Biden wants to send the message that it is a “responsible” nuclear power.
“This is not a step backwards in our preparation nor does it imply that we will necessarily cancel other routine activities to ensure a credible nuclear capability,” Kirby said.
He emphasized that the United States remains ready in its “defense of the homeland” and of the allies.
“We continue to trust in our strategic position, as I said before”, he said. “Our ability to defend the homeland – and our allies and partners – remains fully intact and ready”.
The suspension of the ballistic test also occurs a few hours after the chancellor of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergei Lavrov, indicated that if a Third World War were to occur it would be nuclear and “catastrophic”.
Attacks in Kiev
Regarding the advance of the Russian forces, the Pentagon official said that his reports said that the militia is advancing in the northern area of Kiev, highlighting a strong convoy, although the general evaluation is few. changes the last 36 hours.
“According to our best estimates, [los rusos] have not made any appreciable progress in the last 24-36 hours”, he stated.
This despite the fact that the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, warned of artillery attacks It would be heavy on the cities of Ukraine and its impact on the civilian population.
The Pentagon’s assessment, according to Kirby, is that the Russians are “stuck”, perhaps due to a military regrouping and the challenges they face with the Ukrainians, although there are regions in the north of the country, where he noted that there is little resistance.
This Wednesday, the UN approved a resolution supported by 141 countries to demand that Russia end the invasion of Ukraine.