Escalation in Ukraine-Russian Conflict: Russia Accused of Launching Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
New Escalation in Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Russia Accused of Launching Intercontinental Ballistic Missile without Nuclear Warhead
Kyiv has accused Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) attack at Ukraine for the first time on Thursday, but without a nuclear warhead, marking a new escalation in the conflict. The Russian missile barrage on the industrial city of Dnipro left two people wounded.
Russia Denies Launching ICBM
The Russian Ministry of Defense did not confirm the launch of the ICBM, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that they had "nothing to say on this topic." However, Russia did claim to be making "maximum effort" to avoid a nuclear conflict, citing its updated nuclear doctrine, which allows for the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states.
First Time Since 2022
The Ukrainian air force stated that Russia launched several types of missiles at Dnipro, targeting critical infrastructure, with an ICBM being launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation. According to a source in the Ukrainian air force, this was the first time an ICBM had been used since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Missile Defenses Downed Six Missiles
Ukrainian air defense units downed six missiles, without elaborating on whether the ICBM was among those. The head of the wider region where Dnipro is located reported that the Russian aerial bombardment had damaged a rehabilitation center and several homes, as well as an industrial enterprise, leaving two people wounded.
Escalation in Conflict
The missile escalation comes at a critical moment on the ground for Ukraine, as its defensive lines buckle under mounting Russian pressure across the sprawling front line. Russia has also reported advances in the war-battered Donetsk region, claiming to have captured another village close to Kurakhove, closing in on the town after months of steady advances.
Russian Defense Ministry Claims
Moscow’s defense ministry said Russian forces had taken the small village of Dalne, five kilometers south of Kurakhove. The ministry also reported that its air defense systems had downed two Storm Shadow missiles, without specifying whether they were downed on Russian territory or in occupied Ukraine.
Conclusion
The recent escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict is a grave concern, with both sides engaging in a cycle of violence and retaliation. The use of intercontinental ballistic missiles, even without nuclear warheads, is a dangerous escalation that could have far-reaching consequences. The international community must urge both sides to de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)?
A: An ICBM is a type of ballistic missile designed to travel long distances, typically thousands of kilometers, to deliver a payload to a target.
Q: What is the significance of Russia’s use of an ICBM in this conflict?
A: The use of an ICBM, even without a nuclear warhead, is a significant escalation in the conflict, as it demonstrates Russia’s ability to strike targets at a far distance and potentially marks a change in its military strategy.
Q: What is the current situation on the ground in Ukraine?
A: The situation on the ground in Ukraine is critical, with Ukraine’s defensive lines buckling under mounting Russian pressure across the sprawling front line, and Russia making advances in the war-battered Donetsk region.