Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the southern Russian region of Astrakhan during an attack on Ukraine this morning, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
This marks the first time Russia has used such a powerful and long-range missile during the war.
The launch follows Ukraine’s use of US and UK missiles earlier this week to strike targets within Russia, an action Moscow had warned for months would be considered a significant escalation.
The Russian attack targeted businesses and critical infrastructure in the central-eastern city of Dnipro, Ukraine’s Air Force stated, amid an escalation in the 33-month-long war waged by Russia against Ukraine.
It remains unclear from the announcement what the target of the ICBM was or whether it caused any damage.
Such missiles have a range of thousands of kilometers and can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.
During the attack, Ukraine’s air defenses shot down six Kh-101 cruise missiles.
“Specifically, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation,” the Air Force said, listing the types of weapons used in the assault.
It did not specify the type of ICBM that was launched.
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Source: CNA
