Russia fires deadly ICBM at Ukraine amid tensions

Russia has launched an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) at Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The strike came a day after President Vladimir Putin revised Moscow’s nuclear doctrine, sending a stark warning to Ukraine and its Western allies to respect Russia’s red lines.

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Traditionally designed to carry nuclear warheads, ICBMs can also be equipped with conventional payloads. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the missile was fired from Russia’s Astrakhan region and targeted the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro. This marks the first time Moscow has deployed an ICBM in the nearly three-year-long conflict, according to Ukrainian officials.

Targeting Ukrainian Infrastructure

The missile was part of a broader Russian assault on Dnipro, aimed at crippling critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that six missiles were successfully intercepted, though it did not confirm whether the ICBM was among them. The strikes caused extensive damage, including the destruction of homes, an industrial complex, and a rehabilitation centre.

Russian aerial bombardments have increased in intensity as the war reached its 1,000th day, further deepening the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Moscow claimed its air defences intercepted two UK-made Storm Shadow missiles, without specifying where they were shot down.

Moscow Updates Nuclear Doctrine

The ICBM strike follows significant changes to Russia’s nuclear policy. This week, the Kremlin updated its doctrine to allow the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states under specific conditions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the move was intended as a warning to the West but stressed that Russia was making “maximum effort” to avoid a nuclear conflict.

When asked about the ICBM launch, Moscow declined to comment directly. Peskov stated, “I have nothing to say on this topic,” while reiterating Russia’s commitment to responsible use of its arsenal.

Western Support for Ukraine

The escalation comes days after the US and UK approved the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine to strike Russian targets. Kyiv swiftly acted, launching American-made ATACMS missiles and British-designed Storm Shadow missiles at Russian military sites. This marked a turning point in the conflict, prompting Moscow’s strong response.

Ukraine has defended its right to strike deep into Russian territory, arguing that such measures are necessary to counter Moscow’s relentless assaults. The use of Western-provided missiles has bolstered Ukraine’s capabilities but has also heightened the risks of further escalation.

A Grim Milestone

The conflict, now in its 1,000th day, shows no signs of abating. Diplomacy and dialogue remain distant prospects as both sides intensify their military actions. The use of ICBMs underscores the growing stakes and the increasingly complex dynamics of the war.

As the world watches, the possibility of further escalation looms large. The deployment of advanced weaponry by both sides has pushed the conflict into uncharted territory, making the path to peace more elusive than ever.