KYIV, Ukraine: On Thursday, Moscow launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine for the first time, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict since Ukraine used Western-supplied long-range missiles against Russia.
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russian forces fired multiple types of missiles at the central city of Dnipro, targeting vital infrastructure. Specifically, an ICBM was launched from the Astrakhan region in Russia.
Read more: Russia to Launch Facilitation Center for Pakistani Students Seeking Admission to Russian Institutes
A Ukrainian air force source confirmed to AFP that this marked the first use of the missile since Russia’s invasion began. The source emphasized that the missile, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, was not armed with a nuclear charge.
When asked about the missile launch, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted six missiles, though it was unclear if the ICBM was among them.
The regional head of Dnipro reported that the missile strike had damaged a rehabilitation center, homes, and an industrial facility. Two people were injured, with a 57-year-old man treated at the scene and a 42-year-old woman hospitalized.
Tensions have risen further since the U.S. allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against Russian military targets. Meanwhile, British media reported that Ukraine had launched Storm Shadow missiles at Russian targets after receiving approval from London. Moscow’s defense ministry stated that its air defense systems had intercepted two Storm Shadows but did not specify if they were shot down on Russian or Ukrainian territory.
