Fired Ukrainian defense minister says Ukraine is in a "technological war" with Russia
Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Ukraine is developing domestic ballistic missiles to counter Russian long-range attacks. Fedorov, who was recently fired by President Zelenskyy, emphasized the importance of technological innovation in the ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
The development of domestic ballistic missiles could significantly alter Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities in the war against Russia.
Ukraine will be able to strike Russia with domestically-made ballistic missiles within three to six months, the former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov told CBS News in an exclusive interview.
So far, Ukraine has relied on cheap long-range drones and cruise missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, but these weapons are slower and easier to shoot down once detected.
Russia repeatedly uses ballistic missiles against Ukraine, which has so far struggled to intercept them, putting pressure on air defenses.
In June, Fire Point, one of Ukraine's largest defense manufacturers tested a ballistic missile, which would in theory allow Ukraine to respond to Russia's long-range attacks.
Fedorov, who said that Kyiv's ballistic missile program accelerated during his time as defense minister, said he believes that Ukraine will launch a ballistic missile into Russia by the end of the year.
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