Intercontinental ballistic missile fired by Russia in first known use: Ukraine
In a major escalation, Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during an attack on Ukraine, marking the first use of a strategic, nuclear-capable weapon in the ongoing conflict.
Russia fired its RS-26 Rubezh missile, with a range of 5,800 kilometres, deep inside Ukrainian territory. However, the missile was not carrying any nuclear warhead, the news agency Reuters said, citing sources.
In addition to the ICBM, the Russian forces also fired a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were shot down, Reuters said, citing the Ukrainian Air Force.
The attack by Russia came days after Ukraine fired US and UK missiles deep inside Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict that has now lasted 1,000 days.
The Russian missile attack targeted enterprises and critical infrastructure in Ukraine’s Dnipro, the Ukrainian Air Force said, adding that two people were also injured in the attack.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, did not immediately comment on the Ukrainian Air Force statement.
ICBMs are strategic weapons designed to deliver nuclear warheads and are an important part of Russia’s nuclear deterrent. A war broke out between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, after the former invaded several Ukrainian territories.
