In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) targeting Ukraine on 21 November 2024. This marks the first time such a weapon has been used in the conflict, highlighting the increasing intensity of the situation.
The missile was launched from the Astrakhan region in Russia and targeted the city of Dnipro in central-eastern Ukraine. The attack also involved the launch of six Kh-101 cruise missiles, five of which were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses. The use of an ICBM, which typically has a range exceeding 5,500 kilometers and can carry nuclear or conventional warheads, represents a major escalation in the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating that it demonstrates Russia’s use of Ukraine as a testing ground for its advanced weaponry. The European Union has also expressed concern, calling the attack a “clear escalation” and a significant change in the nature of the conflict.
This development follows recent updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which now considers aggression from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The situation remains tense, with international observers closely monitoring the developments.
