During a recent news conference, an unusual incident occurred at the Russian Foreign Ministry briefing, raising questions about a major strike on Ukraine. The spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, deviated from her usual format when she took a phone call while fielding questions from reporters. In the midst of the briefing, a male voice instructed her not to discuss a missile strike in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region.
The male voice informed Zakharova about a ballistic missile strike on Yuzmash, the Soviet name for Pivdenmash, a significant aerospace plant in Dnipro. He explicitly told her not to comment on the matter at all. Zakharova acknowledged the instruction and ended the call.
It remains unclear whether the incident was staged or if Zakharova inadvertently disclosed information about the strike on Ukraine. The conversation hinted that the target of the strike was the complex formerly known as Yuzhmash. Ukraine has alleged that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to target the city of Dnipro, although a Western official stated that the missile launched was a ballistic missile but not an ICBM.
Following the incident, Russian state media TASS sought further details from Zakharova. She explained that prior to the briefing, there were inquiries about conflicting information circulating online. After consulting with experts, it was determined that the Foreign Ministry would not provide any comments on the matter, dispelling any intrigue surrounding the incident.
Overall, the incident at the Russian Foreign Ministry briefing has sparked curiosity and raised questions about the handling of sensitive information regarding the strike on Ukraine. The exchange between Zakharova and the unidentified male voice has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing situation, leaving observers to ponder the implications of the conversation.
