Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has characterized a recent Russian missile assault on Ukraine as a significant and alarming escalation of hostilities, urging the global community to issue a strong condemnation against this act.
In a post on X, he expressed, “This marks a stark intensification in the scope and savagery of the ongoing conflict,” highlighting a strike on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
“Today’s deployment of a ballistic missile against Ukraine serves as further evidence that Russia is disinterested in pursuing peace,” he asserted.
Zelensky insisted, “The world needs to react decisively. At this moment, there is a glaring absence of a robust response from the international arena.”
He further remarked that President Putin’s acknowledgment regarding this new weapon signifies another leap forward in the conflict, which now stretches beyond 1,000 days, coinciding with the reported presence of North Korean troops on Russian territory.
Firefighters are seen tackling the aftermath of a Russian missile strike in Dnipro. (Image: Press Service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk region)
“Putin’s actions not only extend the conflict — he’s effectively disrespecting those worldwide who genuinely yearn for peace,” he communicated, summoning global powers to reexamine their positions. “The lack of a firm backlash against Russia’s aggressive maneuvers sends a troubling signal that such conduct is permissible.”
Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are long-range nuclear delivery systems that, alarmingly, have never found a place in conventional warfare until now.
However, three US officials pointed out that this was likely an intermediate-range ballistic missile, boasting a more limited reach.
In a televised address from Moscow, Putin declared that Russia executed a medium-range ballistic missile strike targeting a Ukrainian military location in direct reprisal for Ukraine’s long-range attacks utilizing Western armaments.
He claimed the West’s involvement was heightening the conflict, warning that it could evolve into a broader global confrontation.
This week, Ukraine launched missiles from the United States and Britain towards targets within Russia, disregarding Russian threats that such actions would be viewed as a significant escalation. The Russian ambassador in London labeled Britain’s involvement as “direct” in the fight in Ukraine.
Putin noted that Russia put the ‘Oreshnik’ (the hazel) hypersonic missile system through combat tests in response to aggressive NATO actions.
Reports have emerged regarding Ukraine utilizing British Storm Shadow cruise missiles on installations within Russia’s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine. (File image)
“In retaliation for the deployment of American and British long-range armaments, the Russian armed forces targeted a facility linked to Ukraine’s military-industrial sector on November 21,” he stated.
“In the midst of combat conditions, we also utilized one of our latest medium-range missile systems, which included testing a ballistic missile equipped with a nuclear-free hypersonic payload.”
Curious to know about the ICBM Ukraine claims was fired by Russia? Stay tuned.
Security analysts have indicated that if the missile strike on Dnipro indeed involved an intercontinental ballistic missile, it would represent the first instance of such a missile being used in warfare. ICBMs are primarily strategic assets envisaged for deploying nuclear warheads and form a core part of Russia’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
On the other hand, intermediate-range ballistic missiles have ranges spanning from 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry has called upon the global community to act swiftly against what it termed “the deployment of a new weapon type by Russia.”
According to Ukraine’s air force, the ICBM struck Dnipro and originated from the Russian area of Astrakhan, more than 700 kilometers away.
“Regardless of whether it was an ICBM or an IRBM, the crucial factor isn’t merely the range,” explained Fabian Hoffmann, a doctoral research fellow at Oslo University focusing on missile technology. “The significance lies in its MIRVed (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) payload, a characteristic associated predominantly with nuclear-capable missiles. This factor likely influenced Russia’s choice.”
The Russian arsenal also included the Kinzhal hypersonic missile alongside seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were intercepted, as per Ukrainian air force reports.
Targets in Dnipro included industries and critical infrastructure, according to military officials.
During the Soviet era, Dnipro was renowned for missile production. Although Ukraine has expanded its military capabilities during the ongoing conflict, the specifics about their locations remain shrouded in secrecy.
The air force has not disclosed what the ICBM aimed for nor the extent of any damages incurred, but regional governor Serhiy Lysak confirmed that the missile caused damage to an industrial establishment and ignited fires in Dnipro, resulting in two injuries.
A Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system rolls through Red Square during a military parade commemorating Victory Day in Moscow on May 9.
Before Putin’s statements, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov directed inquiries to the Russian military concerning the Ukrainian air force’s report.
According to a Kyiv-based media outlet, Ukrainska Pravda, anonymous sources identified the missile as an RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching up to 5,800 kilometers, as noted by the Arms Control Association.
First successfully tested in 2012, the RS-26 measures approximately 12 meters in length and weighs 36 tons, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Notably, this missile type can carry an 800-kilogram nuclear warhead.
Under a nuclear arms reduction treaty between Russia and the United States, the RS-26 is classified as an ICBM, although at shorter ranges, it can function as an intermediate-range ballistic missile depending on payload.
A ‘First-Time Ever’ Situation’
A video shared by Come Back Alive, a Ukrainian military charity, displayed a group of luminous projectiles streaking down from the night sky over Dnipro.
The NATO alliance has yet to respond to requests for a statement. The US European Command refrained from commenting on the potential use of an ICBM and instead suggested inquiries be directed to the US Department of Defense.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
