Ukraine accuses Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile attack

Ukraine accuses Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile attack

Ukraine's military leadership has accused Russia of firing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into its territory for the first time. This represents a further significant escalation in the conflict that has lasted over 1,000 days.

External reactions to the allegations

Despite the accusations from Kiev, a Western official informed the press that the projectile launched by Russia was classified as a ballistic missile but not an ICBM. The Kremlin has not yet commented on the matter.

Details of the attack on Dnipro

The head of the military administration of the Ukrainian region reported that at least two people were injured and numerous buildings were damaged in the attack on Dnipro. The Ukrainian Air Force reported a rocket attack that occurred around 5 a.m. local time from the Astrakhan region in southern Russia. More details about the ICBM allegedly used have not yet been verified.

Ukrainian government reactions

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said they were awaiting “expertise-based conclusions” to determine the exact type of missile. He added that the missile had “all the flight characteristics of an ICBM.” The Ukrainian military leadership also announced that seven cruise missiles were fired in addition to an X-47M2 Kinzhal missile. All but one of the cruise missiles were intercepted.

Statements by President Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky interpreted the attack as a sign of fear from Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, saying that the Russian president is "so scared that he is already using new missiles." In a video posted on Telegram, Zelensky criticized Russia's disregard for dignity and human life.

International reactions and the situation in the region

A Western official rejected the Ukrainian account of events, emphasizing that the projectile fired by Russia was a ballistic missile but not an intercontinental ballistic missile. In the Kremlin, press spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not want to comment on the Ukrainian allegations.

The importance of an ICBM

An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a long-range weapon that is launched into space and then releases one or more warheads that re-enter the atmosphere. ICBMs have a minimum range of 5,500 kilometers, with some versions even reaching over 9,000 kilometers. The first ICBM missile was launched by the then Soviet Union in 1957, followed by the United States two years later.

How can Ukraine defend itself?

Ukraine uses a US- and German-provided Patriot missile defense system to intercept incoming ballistic missile warheads. The Patriot system is designed to counter incoming warheads, either through friendly blasts or kinetic interception technologies that directly hit the warhead.

Why was Dnipro targeted?

The Dnipropetrovsk region has been a frequent target of Russian attacks in recent months and is a key entry point for people fleeing areas under Russian control. Dnipro, Ukraine's fourth-largest city, plays a central role in the country's war effort.

Damage from the attack

According to the head of the military government in Dnipropetrovsk, Russia is massively attacking the region. Two people were injured in the attack and a facility for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities was also hit. In Dnipro there were two fires and “damage to an industrial enterprise”.