Tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war reached a new high on Thursday as Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s air force.
This marks the first known use of such a powerful weapon in the conflict, which has now been ongoing for over 33 months.
The missile launch comes just days after Ukraine fired U.S. and British-made missiles into Russian territory, raising fears of further escalation in an already volatile situation.
The intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, was launched by Russia from the Astrakhan region, more than 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
While Ukraine’s air force did not confirm whether the missile was nuclear-armed, they described it as a strategic weapon, part of Russia’s nuclear deterrent system.
The Ukrainian government, still processing the shock of the attack, did not specify the missile’s exact type. However, reports from Ukrainian media suggest it was an RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fuel intercontinental missile with a range of up to 5,800 kilometers.
“The RS-26 Rubezh is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, and its long range makes it a significant threat in this war,” said a report by the Arms Control Association.
The RS-26 was first tested by Russia in 2012 and is one of the country’s most advanced missile systems. Weighing around 36 tons and measuring 12 meters long, the RS-26 is a formidable weapon, designed to travel vast distances, potentially reaching any target within Ukraine from deep within Russian territory.
While Russia has yet to publicly comment on the missile launch, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov avoided addressing the issue directly, telling reporters to contact the Russian military for further clarification.
“We are aware of the Ukrainian air force’s statement,” Peskov said. “For further details, please refer to the Russian Ministry of Defence.”
Ukraine’s air force said the missile was launched in a direct attack on Ukrainian territory, but did not specify the target or if the missile caused any immediate damage.
The launch of an ICBM is a deeply concerning development for the international community. ICBMs are typically reserved for strategic deterrence and nuclear strikes, making their use in a conventional conflict highly alarming.
As the war continues, the military tensions between Russia and Ukraine show no sign of subsiding. On top of this, Ukraine’s recent missile strikes into Russian territory further exacerbate an already fragile situation.
Defence Express, a Ukrainian defense consultancy, raised concerns about whether the U.S., Ukraine’s most important international ally, had been informed of the missile launch beforehand.
“It’s crucial for the U.S. to know about missile launches in advance to avoid accidental escalation, such as triggering a missile defense system in response,” said the consultancy in a statement.
Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied missiles in its attacks on Russian soil has already provoked sharp responses from Moscow, which has warned that any such action could lead to dire consequences.
“We have warned the West that any attack on Russian soil will be met with severe retaliation,” said Russian officials earlier this week. “We will not stand by while Ukraine uses foreign weapons to threaten our sovereignty.”
The missile launch on Thursday, followed by heightened warnings from both sides, underscores the growing intensity of the conflict.