Russia has fired an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) at Ukraine, marking a significant escalation just a day after President Vladimir Putin amended Moscow’s nuclear doctrine. The missile, equipped with a conventional (non-nuclear) warhead, serves as a warning to Ukraine and its Western allies to respect Moscow’s red lines.
ICBM Use Sparks Concern
Traditionally designed to carry nuclear warheads, ICBMs can also be used with conventional payloads. This marks the first reported use of an ICBM by Russia in the ongoing conflict, according to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force stated the missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of Russia, targeting the central city of Dnipro.
“In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation,” the Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement. An anonymous source within the Air Force told AFP that it was the first time since the war began that an ICBM had been fired.
Moscow’s Response to Western Support
The launch comes days after Western nations, including the US and UK, authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian territory. Ukraine responded by deploying US-made ATACMS and UK-made Storm Shadow missiles, escalating tensions further.
When asked about the ICBM launch, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment but reiterated Moscow’s commitment to avoiding nuclear conflict. “We have stressed in the context of our doctrine that Russia is taking a responsible position to make maximum effort not to allow such a conflict,” he said.
Widespread Destruction in Dnipro
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that it intercepted six Russian missiles but did not confirm if the ICBM was among them. Russian attacks caused extensive damage in Dnipro, including to homes, industrial facilities, and a rehabilitation center. Meanwhile, Moscow claimed to have downed two Storm Shadow missiles but did not specify their location.
As the war surpasses its 1,000th day, the likelihood of a diplomatic resolution appears increasingly remote, with both sides resorting to long-range missile strikes in an ongoing show of force.
