In a striking live press briefing, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova found herself in an unexpected predicament when a phone call interrupted her remarks on reports of a missile strike in Ukraine.
Unexpected Call During Briefing
During the 21 November 2024 briefing, a male voice, addressing her as “Masha,” instructed Zakharova not to comment on the alleged strike on Dnipro. Videos of the incident quickly circulated, highlighting the tension surrounding the situation.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russia had launched intercontinental ballistic missiles at the city of Dnipro, targeting Pivdenmash, a prominent aerospace manufacturer. This missile strike marked the first use of such artillery since the onset of the conflict.
What Happened on Air
- The unknown man on the call told Zakharova: “About the ballistic missile strike on Yuzhmash that the Western media are talking about, we are not commenting at all.”
- Despite the interruption, Zakharova acknowledged the call and responded, saying she would not comment on the accusations of missile fire.
Zahkarova’s Response
Later, in a statement to the Russian state news agency TASS, Zakharova claimed there was no need for intrigue over the call, stating: “I clarified with experts whether this topic is ours. The answer came during the briefing — the Foreign Ministry does not comment.”
The Ukrainian Air Force has since asserted that the missile, designed to hold both conventional and nuclear warheads, was not equipped with a nuclear charge.
Ongoing Tensions
This incident reflects the heightened tensions and scrutiny surrounding military actions in the region. As the situation develops, both domestic and international eyes are keenly focused on Russia’s responses to these allegations.