Ukraine has accused Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an overnight attack, which would mark the first use of such a weapon in the conflict. However, a Western official has disputed this claim, stating that it was a ballistic missile but not an ICBM that was fired. The missile was reportedly targeting the eastern city of Dnipro, and its impact is still being assessed.
ICBMs have a range of at least 3,400 miles and can carry both nuclear and non-nuclear payloads. It is unclear why Russia would allegedly use an ICBM against Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force stated that the missile was launched from the Caspian Sea region of Astrakhan in southern Russia.
In addition to the alleged ICBM, Ukraine reported that Russia had also attacked Dnipro with various other missiles, including an air-launched ballistic missile and seven cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces were able to shoot down six cruise missiles during the attack.
This escalation comes after Ukrainian forces used U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian soil, prompting a significant response from Moscow. President Vladimir Putin recently updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine, allowing for a nuclear strike in the event of an attack by a non-nuclear country supported by a nuclear state. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has now lasted more than 1,000 days.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com