Ukraine has accused Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) toward its southeastern region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the strike evidence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “fear” and desperation as Ukraine continues its push for sovereignty.
On Thursday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia fired an ICBM near the city of Dnipro, targeting businesses and critical infrastructure. While Ukrainian forces intercepted six other missiles launched in the same wave, the suspected ICBM struck its target.
However, U.S. officials provided a different account, stating that the missile was likely an experimental medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM) rather than an ICBM. The missile carried multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), a technology often associated with nuclear weapons, but this particular missile was non-nuclear.
The missile launch underscores growing concerns about the use of advanced weaponry in the conflict. Ballistic missiles, whether IRBMs or ICBMs, can be equipped with nuclear warheads, raising fears of potential escalation.
President Putin defended the missile launch, claiming it was a response to military actions by countries supporting Ukraine. He described the missile as one of Russia’s latest medium-range systems, equipped with hypersonic technology, and called the test a success.
“We consider ourselves entitled to use our weapons against military objects of those countries that allow the use of their weapons against us,” Putin stated.
The Kremlin also announced updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, effectively lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.
President Zelenskyy framed the missile strike as an act of desperation by the Kremlin.
“Putin is terrified when normal life simply exists next to him. When people have dignity. When a country wants to and has the right to be independent,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that the missile attack targeted civilians and critical infrastructure, further demonstrating Russia’s disregard for international norms.
This missile strike comes amidst a series of high-stakes military exchanges:
- Ukraine recently launched U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles at Russian targets, striking ammunition depots and other facilities.
- Ukrainian forces also deployed British Storm Shadow cruise missiles in operations targeting Russian command posts, including locations reportedly involving North Korean personnel supporting Russia.
Russia’s missile attack follows these strikes, signaling escalating tensions and retaliation. The U.S. and its allies have been monitoring the situation closely. Washington briefed Kyiv and other allies in advance about the possibility of Russia using experimental missiles.
While Russia claims its actions are defensive, international observers have condemned the attack as an aggressive escalation.
With both sides ramping up the use of advanced weaponry, the risk of further escalation looms large. Zelenskyy remains defiant, insisting that Ukraine will not back down in its fight for sovereignty.
As the conflict intensifies, global leaders continue to call for restraint and a renewed push for diplomatic solutions, even as military strategies dominate the battlefield.