Ukraine has alleged that Russia fired what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Dnipro on Thursday, potentially marking the first wartime use of such a weapon designed for long-distance nuclear strikes.
Western officials have cast doubt on the claim, saying preliminary assessments suggest it was not an ICBM, though they acknowledged the situation remains under review.
President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that the missile’s speed and altitude indicated it was an ICBM, with investigations underway to confirm its nature.
“Today there was a new Russian missile. All the characteristics – speed, altitude – are (of an) intercontinental ballistic (missile). An expert (investigation) is currently underway,” Zelensky said.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry called for a swift international response, labelling the attack an escalation with the introduction of advanced weaponry.
While the missile’s warhead type remains unspecified, the Ukrainian air force stated it was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region, over 700 km from Dnipro. Reports from Ukrainska Pravda identified the missile as an RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fuelled ICBM capable of delivering an 800-kg nuclear warhead with a range of 5,800 km.
The RS-26, first tested in 2012, is classified as an ICBM under US-Russia nuclear arms reduction treaties but can function as an intermediate-range missile when carrying heavier payloads.
The Kremlin declined to comment, directing inquiries to the Russian military.
This incident follows Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian territory using US and British missiles, actions Moscow had warned would be seen as major provocations. The conflict, now in its 33rd month, continues to intensify, with fears of further escalation looming.
Follow us on:
