Ukraine announced that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as part of the attack. The war has escalated again, probably due to Ukraine’s attack on Russian territory with Western weapons.
ICBMs have a range of more than 5,000 kilometers and are designed to carry nuclear warheads. If confirmed, this would be the first time Russia used the weapon in the war, which began in February 2022. According to an announcement from Ukraine, Russia launched the missile from Astrakhan Oblast, near the Caspian Sea, about 1,000 kilometers away. This use shows that Russia has increased its attacks and is a sign of concern for countries that support Ukraine.
In a video posted on the Telegram communication app on the 21st, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed that the missile used in the attack was a “new” weapon and had all the characteristics, including speed and height at which it flew, matching an ICBM. “It is clear that Mr. Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground,” he said.
On the morning of the 21st, Russia targeted Dnipro in east-central Ukraine, firing several missiles in addition to what appeared to be ICBMs.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Peskov said that questions regarding the ICBM launch should be sent to the Ministry of Defense. The spokesman also said that Russia would take a “responsible position” to avoid a nuclear war, state news agency TASS reported.
Oil prices rose after the announcement from the Ukrainian side. European and US stock futures fell.
After Ukraine reportedly attacked Russia with the US-made ATACMS surface-to-surface missile and the British-made Shadow Storm long-range missile, the embassies of the US and several European countries in Kiev warned of large-scale retaliation. attacked by Russia It was closed on the 20th in anticipation of the
serious and reckless aggravation
British Prime Minister David Palace’s spokesman said at a regular press conference on the 21st that he was “deeply concerned” by unconfirmed reports that an ICBM had been launched. ”If true, it’s clearly another serious and reckless escalation by Russia, but it only strengthens our resolve.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has relaxed standards for the use of nuclear weapons. Those around President-elect Trump are criticizing the Biden administration for changing its position and allowing Ukraine to attack Russia with long-range missiles made in the United States.
Peskov called the Biden administration’s decision an “extremely dangerous position” and said “a new escalation is brewing,” Tass reported.
ICBMs are also an expensive means of inflicting damage on the enemy. Bloomberg News reported this year that the US Air Force’s new ICBM, the Sentinel, will cost $162 million each.
Ukraine is waiting for experts to identify the missile used, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 21st. Western partners will be asked to provide air defense systems capable of intercepting ICBMs, the ministry spokesman said. One of the systems that could be requested is the High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor system manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
According to Governor Risak of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, industrial facilities in Dnipro were damaged. In another report, a rehabilitation facility for soldiers was damaged.
The Ukrainian Air Force Command said on Telegram that it had intercepted six of the seven Kh-101 cruise missiles fired by Russia during the attack on the morning of the 21st. Regarding the “Kinjal” hypersonic ballistic missile and the ICBM that were also used, the government did not provide further details, saying only that they did not cause “serious consequences.”
After the attack, the electricity supply in the Dnipropetrovsk region was disrupted, with half of the households without power, Serhiy Kovalenko, manager of power transmission and distribution operator Yasno, reported on Facebook.
Original title:Ukraine Says Russia Used ICBM as War Ratchets Up More (3)(excerpt)
(Updated with the responses of President Zelenskiy and the British government.)
How might the deployment of ICBMs in regional conflicts alter international defense strategies?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Missile Defense Expert Dr. Elena Kuznetsova
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a critical development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Recently, reports emerged that Russia may have used an intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, against Ukraine for the first time since the war began in February 2022. Joining us to analyze this situation is Dr. Elena Kuznetsova, a missile defense expert. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kuznetsova.
Dr. Kuznetsova: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain what differentiates an ICBM from other types of missiles?
Dr. Kuznetsova: Absolutely. ICBMs are designed to deliver nuclear warheads over distances of more than 5,000 kilometers. They’re highly complicated and expensive systems, often launched from land-based silos. Unlike short-range or tactical missiles, ICBMs are strategic weapons with the capacity to strike targets across continents.
Editor: If the reports from Ukraine are confirmed, this would mark a significant escalation in the conflict. What implications would this have for international security, particularly for countries supporting Ukraine?
Dr. Kuznetsova: The deployment of ICBMs in this context raises serious alarms regarding nuclear escalation. It could signify that Russia is willing to flex its nuclear muscle, potentially deterring any further Western military assistance to Ukraine. Moreover, it complicates the security landscape in Europe, where countries already feel the weight of vulnerability.
Editor: Ukrainian President Zelenskiy mentioned that the missile used had “new” characteristics. What are your thoughts on how nations like Russia might develop or modify their ICBM systems for tactical use in a regional conflict?
Dr. Kuznetsova: It’s not unusual for nations to adapt their military capabilities to suit specific strategic needs. Russia could, for instance, be testing new payload configurations to use ICBMs for conventional strikes—essentially repurposing a strategic weapons system for tactical advantages. This can blur the lines and create a more dangerous theater of operations.
Editor: Following Ukraine’s reported attacks on Russian territory with Western weapons, how do you see the dynamics evolving between the two nations? Is this a turning point?
Dr. Kuznetsova: It could very well be a turning point. Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory has launched a risky game of retaliation. Russia’s potential use of ICBMs is a direct attempt to reassert deterrence. The threat of such powerful weaponry raises the stakes for both sides. It’s crucial that diplomatic channels remain open to prevent a full-scale nuclear escalation.
Editor: How are countries like the US and the UK reacting to this news, and what measures might they take to deter further escalation?
Dr. Kuznetsova: Both the US and UK are historically driven by a desire to maintain regional stability. Their current response includes both diplomatic overtures and military support for Ukraine. However, they will have to navigate this carefully—not just in terms of military supplies but in ensuring that their actions do not provoke an even harsher reaction from Russia.
Editor: considering the economic impact—oil prices rising and stock futures falling—is this escalation likely to influence global markets significantly?
Dr. Kuznetsova: Yes, it absolutely could. Heightened military tensions often lead to uncertainty, which frightens investors and impacts market stability. Oil prices, for instance, will typically rise as supply concerns grow. This economic fallout can circle back and affect political decisions, prioritizing national interests in terms of energy security and economic stability.
Editor: Dr. Kuznetsova, thank you for your insights into this complex topic. The implications of this development are indeed profound and require serious consideration from the world stage.
Dr. Kuznetsova: Thank you for having me. It’s critical we remain vigilant as the situation unfolds.
Editor: You’ve been listening to Time.news. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.