Russia has reportedly conducted its first intercontinental missile strike against Ukraine, targeting the city of Dnipro. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed nine missiles were launched, with six intercepted. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict, coinciding with Ukrainian missile attacks on Russian territory. Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested a new missile type was used, while investigations continue. Additionally, a separate attack on Kryvyi Rih resulted in multiple injuries and damage to infrastructure.
Russia’s First Intercontinental Missile Attack on Ukraine
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has reportedly launched its first intercontinental missile strike against Ukraine, according to sources from Kyiv. This military action comes in the wake of Ukrainian missile attacks targeting deep within Russian territory, signaling a potential threat not only to Ukraine but also to Western nations.
Details of the Missile Strike on Dnipro
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that the missile was directed at the city of Dnipro, which is the fourth-largest city in Ukraine. The launch originated from the Astrakhan region, located near the Caspian Sea, and included a total of nine projectiles. Fortunately, Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept six of these missiles. However, the attack resulted in injuries to two civilians and caused damage to an industrial facility and a rehabilitation center for individuals with disabilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that Russia deployed a new missile type, with its speed and altitude suggesting it was a ballistic intercontinental missile. Ongoing investigations are looking into this claim. Meanwhile, an unnamed Western official has speculated that the missile may have been a shorter-range ballistic type instead.
This marks the first instance of Russia utilizing an intercontinental missile since the onset of its invasion in February 2022. These missiles are capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, with the ability to hit targets located thousands of kilometers away. However, reports from AFP indicate that the missile used in Dnipro was likely not fitted with a nuclear warhead, a fact that remains unconfirmed by Ukrainian authorities. Ukrainian media has suggested it could be an RS-26 Rubezh missile, known for its impressive range of 5,800 kilometers.
During a military parade in Moscow, a similar model, the ‘Yars’ intercontinental missile, was showcased, raising questions about its connection to the recent attack.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, when asked about the missile launch, offered no comment, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to preventing a nuclear conflict. Similarly, the Russian Foreign Ministry received instructions during a live press conference to refrain from discussing the incident.
The recent missile deployment is likely a display of military strength following a change in Russia’s nuclear doctrine. The U.S. government had previously permitted Ukraine to utilize long-range weaponry against targets within Russian territory, a move that has been interpreted as a response to the potential involvement of North Korean soldiers supporting Moscow. In contrast, Russia views the U.S. weapon supplies as an escalation of the conflict.
Following this green light, Ukraine reportedly launched U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles at Russian targets this week for the first time. Additionally, Storm Shadow cruise missiles from Britain have also been deployed against Russian positions.
In a related note, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted two British Storm Shadows, six HIMARS missiles, and 67 drones, although the specifics of these interceptions remain unclear. It appears that Ukraine has been granted the capability to utilize U.S. ATACMS missiles against Russian assets.
Another missile strike by Russia on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih resulted in at least 26 injuries, with ten individuals requiring hospitalization, according to the region’s governor, Serhiy Lysak. An administrative building was hit, causing damage to approximately ten residential structures.