Ukraine has accused Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile during an overnight attack, marking the first alleged use of such a weapon in the conflict. However, a Western official disputed this, claiming it was a ballistic missile but not an ICBM that was fired. The Kremlin has not responded to the accusation. The specific type of missile used and its impact are still being assessed.
The Ukrainian air force claimed that the alleged missile was launched from southern Russia towards the city of Dnipro, but did not provide information on casualties. Other missile attacks were reported in Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih, causing injuries. This escalation follows Ukraine’s recent use of U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian soil.
The alleged deployment of an ICBM by Russia comes after President Putin revised the country’s nuclear doctrine, justifying a nuclear strike in response to aggression by a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power. Analysts have urged caution in interpreting this move, noting that using an ICBM in a conventional role may not be strategically effective. The situation should be taken seriously but not assumed to pose an immediate threat.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has lasted for over 1,000 days, with recent events indicating a concerning escalation. The use of advanced missile technology on both sides raises fears of a further intensification of the conflict.
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