Russia/ Ukraine war/ ICBM attack/ intercontinental ballistic missile/ Dnipro strike/ NATO tensions/ KYIV/ Ukraine/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukraine has accused Russia of using an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time in its war against Ukraine, targeting the city of Dnipro. While the Kremlin has not commented, Ukraine claims the missile matches the speed and altitude of an ICBM. The attack coincides with heightened tensions, including Ukraine’s expanded use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles and Russia’s new nuclear doctrine.
Ukraine’s ICBM Claim: Quick Looks
- ICBM Allegation: Ukraine says Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with conventional warheads at Dnipro, marking a significant escalation in the war.
- Details of the Attack: Two people were injured, and damage was reported to industrial and rehabilitation facilities. Six of nine missiles were intercepted.
- International Reaction: U.K. and U.S. officials are investigating but have not confirmed the missile type.
- Wider Context: The attack follows Ukraine’s use of U.S. long-range missiles and a revised Russian nuclear doctrine allowing preemptive strikes.
- Kryvyi Rih Hit: Separately, Russian strikes on Zelenskyy’s hometown injured 26 people and damaged infrastructure.
Ukraine Claims Russia Fired ICBM in First-Ever Attack During War
Deep Look
Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of firing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an attack on the city of Dnipro, a move that, if verified, would mark the first use of such a weapon in the war.
While Ukraine provided no direct evidence, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the missile’s speed and altitude indicated it was an ICBM. The Kremlin has declined to comment.
The Attack on Dnipro
Ukraine’s air force reported that an ICBM, alongside eight other missiles, was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region near the Caspian Sea. Six missiles were intercepted, but others hit their targets, wounding two people and damaging a rehabilitation center and industrial facility.
Local officials have condemned the attack as yet another example of Russian aggression targeting civilians. “Today, our crazy neighbor once again showed what he really is—and how afraid he is,” Zelenskyy remarked.
The air force did not specify the missile model but highlighted its unprecedented use in the conflict.
ICBM Use and Implications
Intercontinental ballistic missiles, designed for nuclear warheads, can travel over 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles). Using an ICBM with a conventional payload to attack Ukraine, a much closer target, may signal a demonstration of Russia’s capability to intimidate not only Kyiv but its Western allies.
Rising Tensions and Nuclear Overtones
The alleged ICBM strike comes during a tense week in the conflict:
- U.S. Authorization of Long-Range Strikes: Earlier, the Biden administration allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied longer-range missiles inside Russian territory, prompting fierce condemnation from Moscow. Ukraine quickly utilized the missiles in strikes within Russia.
- Russia’s Revised Nuclear Doctrine: Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a new policy allowing a nuclear response to conventional attacks backed by a nuclear state, a broad framework aimed at deterring NATO involvement.
- Western Criticism: The U.S. and its allies accused Russia of employing nuclear threats to sow fear and maintain its strategic leverage.
- North Korean Involvement: Thousands of North Korean troops have reportedly joined Russian forces, further internationalizing the war.
Other Strikes and Fallout
Russia also launched missile strikes on Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, injuring 26 people and damaging residential buildings, vehicles, and an administrative facility, according to regional governor Serhii Lysak.
Additionally, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted two British-made Storm Shadow missiles, six HIMARS rockets, and 67 drones. Moscow has accused Ukraine of targeting Crimea with some of these weapons.
A Turning Point?
If Russia indeed used an ICBM in its assault on Ukraine, it may signal an escalation in both tactics and messaging. The move could complicate international mediation efforts and prompt Ukraine’s allies to respond with further support or sanctions.
With tensions at an all-time high, this alleged ICBM strike underscores the volatile nature of the conflict as it stretches into its second year.
