United States postpones launch of ballistic missile to avoid escalation in relations with Russia

Anastasia Kalatur — Thursday, 3 March 2022, 05:44

The United States has postponed the test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile to avoid escalating tensions following Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Source: Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, NYT

Details: The launch was scheduled for this week.

This step was seen as necessary to show that the United States does not intend to engage in any action that may be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Kirby said the United States wants to "demonstrate that it is a responsible nuclear country."

Kirby also said that "Putin's provocative rhetoric and possible changes to nuclear posture involving the most consequential weapons in our respective arsenal’s is unacceptable."

On February 27, Putin put nuclear forces on standby, justifying the decision with allegedly aggressive remarks by NATO officials. In response to threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Pentagon said that it was able to "protect itself, its allies and partners."