Russia launches world’s deadliest missile at Ukraine
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In a significant development during Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Kyiv’s air force reported that Moscow deployed an intercontinental ballistic missile in its Thursday attack. This marks the first documented use of such a powerful nuclear-capable weapon, which can travel thousands of kilometers, in the current war.
This escalation follows Ukraine’s recent deployment of US and British missiles against Russian targets, despite Moscow’s stern warnings about potential consequences.
So Russia just fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into Ukraine for the first time ever in combat.
These missiles are capable of delivering nuclear warheads and is as a clear message to the West.#NoMoreWar pic.twitter.com/AXqgkm3naA
— I do not consent (@Idonotconsent6) November 21, 2024
The Russian government has yet to respond to these claims about the ICBM launch.
ICBMs, designed primarily as nuclear warhead delivery systems, serve as crucial components of Russia’s nuclear deterrent strategy. While the specific type of missile and warhead remained unidentified by Ukrainian officials, there were no indications of nuclear armament.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the assault targeted Dnipro’s industrial facilities and vital infrastructure. Regional governor Serhiy Lysak reported that the attack damaged an industrial facility, sparked fires, and left two individuals injured.
Ukrainian forces also reported intercepting six out of seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, while noting an additional Kinzhal hypersonic missile launch. The ICBM reportedly originated from Russia’s Astrakhan region.
Defense Express, a Ukrainian military consultancy, raised questions about whether the United States received advance notification of the missile launch, citing the importance of such communications in preventing unintended escalation of missile warning systems.
As the conflict reaches its 1,000th day, tensions continue to mount. Russian military correspondents reported Ukraine’s use of British Storm Shadow missiles in Russia’s Kursk region on Wednesday, though Ukraine’s General Staff declined to comment.
Earlier this week, Ukraine employed US-provided ATACMS missiles against Russian targets, following President Biden’s authorization. This occurs as Biden approaches the end of his term, with Donald Trump positioned to return to office. Trump has pledged to resolve the conflict while criticizing Biden’s substantial Ukrainian aid package.
Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile during an attack on Ukraine, Kyiv's air force said, in the first known use in the war of such a powerful, nuclear-capable weapon with a range of thousands of kilometers https://t.co/MLEBsJBT3Z 1/6 pic.twitter.com/stDlHQJ10y
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 21, 2024
Russian officials maintain that using Western weapons to strike deep within Russian territory represents a serious escalation. Meanwhile, Ukraine defends these actions as necessary measures to protect against Russian military operations.
The conflict’s 1,000th day was marked by Ukraine’s strike on a Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk. In response to perceived threats, the US temporarily closed its Kyiv embassy before reopening the following day.
