Ukraine: Russia Attacks with Intercontinental Ballistic Missile for the First Time

Ukraine's Air Force announced on Thursday, November 22, that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile during its attack on the city of Dnipro. If confirmed, this would be the first use of such a weapon in this 33-month war, which is designed for long-range nuclear strikes. However, Western officials, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that their 'initial analysis' suggests that this missile is not an intercontinental ballistic missile, although the possibility of a change in conclusion exists. Intercontinental ballistic missiles are strategic weapons designed to carry nuclear warheads and are a significant part of Russia's nuclear deterrence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a video message, 'Today, a new Russian missile was used that has the speed, altitude, and other characteristics of an intercontinental ballistic missile,' adding, 'Expert assessments are currently underway.' The Ukrainian Air Force also reported that the missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of Russia, over 700 kilometers from Dnipro, but did not specify the type of missile. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, responded to questions about the Ukrainian Air Force's statement by saying to contact the Russian military for comments. A media outlet based in Kyiv, citing anonymous sources, reported that the missile is a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile 'RS-26 Rubezh' with a range of 5800 kilometers. According to Reuters, this type of missile was successfully tested for the first time in 2012, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates its length at 12 meters and weight at 36 tons. This missile can carry an 800-kilogram nuclear warhead. The 'RS-26' is classified as an intercontinental ballistic missile under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the U.S. and Russia, but if heavier payloads are used at ranges less than 5500 kilometers, it can be considered a medium-range ballistic missile. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the Russian missile attack targeted companies and critical infrastructure in the city of Dnipro in eastern central Ukraine. The governor of the region also reported that the missile attack damaged an industrial company and caused a fire in Dnipro, injuring two people. The Ukrainian Air Force also stated that Russia launched a hypersonic 'Kinzhal' missile and seven 'Kh-101' cruise missiles, six of which were shot down. The announcement of a new $275 million military aid package from the United States to Ukraine, Ukraine attacking Russia with British missiles, the U.S. sending anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, and the closure of the U.S. embassy in Kyiv amid increasing likelihood of a 'major attack' from Russia.