BERLIN, Nov 22: Russia's use of an experimental hypersonic missile to hit Ukraine was a "terrible escalation" in the war, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday, renewing calls for "prudence" vis-a-vis Moscow.
President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia had used an experimental intermediate-range missile against Ukraine in response to Kyiv firing Western-made weapons at Russian territory.
The deployment of the new weapon showed "how dangerous this war is", Scholz said in a speech.
"That Putin has now also used a medium-range missile to strike Ukrainian territory is a terrible escalation," he said.
As one of Ukraine's biggest supporters, it is important for Germany to work with allies "to do what prevents an escalation in this war to a war between Russia and NATO", Scholz said.
The sitting chancellor has profiled himself as a promoter of peace ahead of legislative elections next year, as he hopes to tap into strong pacifist currents among voters.
Germany has been Ukraine's second-largest military backer behind the United States but unlike other Western allies has not sent Kyiv longer-range missiles that could be used to hit targets deep inside Russia.
Despite Washington's recent approval, Scholz has stood steadfast by his refusal to authorise strikes within Russia using German weapons. —AFP
