Ukraine’s Air Force has reported that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Dnipro, marking what would be the first known use of such a missile in active conflict. However, Western officials, as per ABC News, have raised doubts, suggesting that the missile may have been a shorter-range ballistic missile, similar to those Russia has used in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, nine missiles were launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region, striking Dnipro between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time. The missiles are said to have traveled approximately 500 miles (800 km) to reach their target. Reports indicate that the missile hit its target “without consequences” and that there were no immediate casualties. Six of the nine missiles were reportedly intercepted by Ukraine’s air defense systems.
ICBMs, which have a range of over 6,200 miles and could potentially carry nuclear warheads, are much more powerful than shorter-range missiles. This has led to speculation that the launch could have been a symbolic or strategic move by Moscow, although it has not been officially confirmed. Russia has not acknowledged the use of an ICBM and did not include the incident in its daily military briefing.
However, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was overheard on a hot mic referring to a “ballistic missile strike,” though she did not specify whether it was an ICBM. This accidental reference has fueled further speculation. According to a 2000 agreement between the U.S. and Russia, each side is required to notify the other 24 hours in advance of any missile launch exceeding 500 kilometers, though it is unclear whether Russia followed this protocol.
Experts like Pavel Podvig, who specializes in Russian nuclear weapons, have noted that while an ICBM’s use in military operations seems unlikely due to its high cost and low accuracy, it could be employed as a political or strategic signal.
The potential missile threat has raised alarms internationally, with the U.S. embassy in Kyiv temporarily closing after a warning of a “significant air attack.” Early reports from Dnipro suggest some damage to industrial areas and two fires, but civilian casualties have not been confirmed at this stage.
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