Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has labeled a recent Russian missile attack involving a new type of ballistic missile as a “stark and serious escalation” in the ongoing conflict with Russia, urging for a robust global response.
“This represents a clear and grave intensification of the violence in this war,” Zelensky posted on X, citing a strike that hit the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro. “The employment of ballistic missiles today underscores Russia’s utter disregard for peace.”
“We need the world’s support,” he emphasized. “At this moment, the international reaction is painfully lacking.”
In a series of posts, he remarked on how President Putin’s admission of deploying this new weapon constitutes yet another escalation in a war that has now surpassed the 1,000-day mark. This came on the heels of North Korean troops making their presence felt on Russian soil.
Firefighters were seen battling flames at the site of the missile strike in Dnipro. (Image courtesy of the Press Service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk region)
“Putin isn’t merely prolonging the conflict; he’s mocking those who sincerely seek a return to peace,” he stated. “Following this aggression, it’s vital for the world to take a stand. The current lack of assertive reactions signals to Russia that its actions are permissible.”
Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are designed for long-range nuclear strikes and have yet to be deployed in battle. However, three U.S. officials identified the missile as an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which has a comparatively shorter range.
In Moscow, during a broadcasted address, President Putin confirmed that the military carried out a medium-range missile strike on a Ukrainian military installation. This was portrayed as retaliation for recent Ukrainian long-range attacks bolstered by Western support.
“The West is escalating tensions in Ukraine, transforming this into a global confrontation,” Putin asserted.
This week, Ukraine struck targets in Russia using U.S. and British missiles, despite Russian warnings that such actions would significantly escalate the conflict. The Russian ambassador in London claimed that Britain’s involvement was now “direct and significant” in the Ukrainian war.
Putin also noted that the Russian military had conducted tests on the ‘Oreshnik’ hypersonic missile system as a countermeasure to NATO’s provocative actions.
Reports indicated that Ukrainian forces deployed British Storm Shadow cruise missiles within Russia’s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine.
“In response to the usage of American and British long-range weaponry, on November 21 of this year, the Russian armed forces initiated a combined strike on one of Ukraine’s military-industrial facilities,” Putin remarked.
“We tested one of our newest medium-range missile systems under combat conditions, utilizing a ballistic missile devoid of nuclear equipment.”
Read More: What is the ICBM Ukraine alleges was used by Russia?
Security experts indicated that should the attack on Dnipro involve an intercontinental ballistic missile, it would mark a first in wartime usage. ICBMs are strategic arms intended to deliver nuclear payloads, forming a crucial aspect of Russia’s nuclear deterrent policy.
Intermediate-range ballistic missiles boast a range between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry is calling for swift action from the international community in response to what it describes as “the employment of uncharted weaponry by Russia.”
According to Ukraine’s air force, the missile aimed at Dnipro was launched from the Astrakhan region of Russia, over 700 kilometers away.
“The distinction between an ICBM and IRBM is secondary,” noted Fabian Hoffmann, a doctoral fellow at Oslo University specializing in missile technology. “What matters more is that it carried a MIRVed (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle) payload, which carries significant implications and is directly associated with nuclear-capable missiles.”
Additionally, Russia launched a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, of which six were intercepted according to Ukraine’s air force.
The strikes targeted critical infrastructure and facilities in Dnipro, an area historically known as a missile production hub during Soviet times. Although Ukraine has bolstered its military manufacturing throughout the conflict, the specifics of its operations remain closely guarded.
While Ukraine’s air force did not specify the exact targets or the extent of the damage caused by the ICBM, regional governor Serhiy Lysak reported that two individuals were injured, and there was damage to industrial facilities as fires erupted in Dnipro.
A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launcher made headlines during the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, symbolizing Russia’s military might.
Prior to Putin’s statements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov instructed reporters to reach out to the military for comments regarding the air force’s assertions.
Ukrainska Pravda, a media outlet from Kyiv, cited anonymous sources that claimed the missile used was an RS-26 Rubezh, touted as a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching up to 5,800 kilometers, according to the Arms Control Association.
This RS-26 underwent successful testing in 2012 and is noteworthy for its length of 12 meters and weight of 36 tons as estimated by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Its capacity includes an 800-kilogram nuclear warhead.
Under a nuclear reduction treaty between the U.S. and Russia, the RS-26 is classified as an ICBM, yet can also qualify as an intermediate-range ballistic missile when deployed with heavier payloads at intervals shorter than 5,500 kilometers, as outlined by CSIS.
‘Unprecedented’ event
In a video shared by the military charity Come Back Alive, a train of luminous projectiles was seen diving from the night sky over Dnipro. The video was released following the overnight conflict.
As of now, NATO has not publicly addressed this incident. The U.S. European Command stated they had no information on the alleged usage of an ICBM, directing inquiries to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
