Russia's Use of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Marks Escalation in Ukraine War
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has reportedly launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine for the first time. The missile, identified as the RS-26 Rubezh, was fired at the city of Dnipro from the Astrakhan region in southern Russia early on November 21, 2024. This marks a historic moment as it is the first combat use of such a missile in the history of warfare, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The Ukrainian military has stated that the missile attack, which occurred around 5 a.m. local time, resulted in damage to several buildings and injuries to at least two individuals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, asserting that it demonstrates Russian President Vladimir Putin's desperation and willingness to escalate the conflict. He described the missile's characteristics as indicative of an ICBM, emphasizing its potential threat.
While Ukraine claims the missile was an ICBM, some Western officials have disputed this assertion, stating that the missile launched was a ballistic missile but not classified as intercontinental. The Kremlin has refrained from commenting on the incident, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating he had no information to share.
The RS-26 Rubezh: A Controversial Weapon
The RS-26 Rubezh missile has a range of approximately 5,800 kilometers, making it a politically contentious weapon due to its capability to carry nuclear warheads. Although the missile was reportedly fired without a nuclear payload, its mere use raises alarms within the international community, particularly among European Union officials who view it as a clear escalation of hostilities.
The missile's development began in 2006, and it was excluded from Russia's weapons program until 2027, following the termination of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019. Experts have noted that the missile's long-range capabilities and design for multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV) make it a formidable tool in Russia's military arsenal.
The attack on Dnipro comes amid heightened tensions following Ukraine's use of long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian targets, prompting threats from Moscow regarding potential nuclear responses. Analysts suggest that Russia's actions may be intended to signal its readiness to escalate further, although the likelihood of an actual nuclear strike remains a contentious topic among military experts.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the implications of this missile launch, which could redefine the dynamics of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
