Ukraine has accused Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an overnight attack, which would be the first use of such a weapon during the conflict. However, a Western official disputed this claim, saying it was a ballistic missile but not an ICBM that was fired at the eastern city of Dnipro. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to the accusation. It is unclear why Russia would use an ICBM against Ukraine, as these missiles typically have a range of at least 3,400 miles and can carry nuclear or non-nuclear payloads.
The Ukrainian air force claimed that the missile was launched from the Caspian Sea region of Astrakhan in southern Russia, but did not provide information on casualties or the specific missile model. They also said that Moscow had attacked Dnipro with various missiles, including an air-launched ballistic missile and seven cruise missiles, of which six were shot down by Ukrainian forces.
This alleged escalation follows Ukraine’s use of U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian soil two days prior, prompting a significant response from Moscow. The conflict, which has lasted more than 1,000 days, has intensified in the face of President Vladimir Putin’s recent revisions to Russia’s nuclear doctrine. This update now allows for a nuclear strike if Russia is attacked by a non-nuclear country supported by a nuclear state.
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