Russia Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile in Escalation of Ukraine Conflict.
In a major escalation of the conflict, Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during an attack on Ukraine, marking the first known military use of such a strategic weapon. The missile, identified as the RS-26 Rubezh, has a range of 5,800 kilometers and is capable of delivering nuclear warheads, although it was reportedly not armed in this instance.
The RS-26 missile, which was first tested in 2012, is 12 meters long and weighs 36 tons, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Alongside the ICBM, Russian forces also deployed a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were intercepted by Ukrainian defenses, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed.
The attack targeted critical infrastructure and enterprises in Ukraine’s Dnipro region, injuring two people, according to local reports. This escalation follows Ukraine’s use of US- and UK-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russian territory earlier this week, intensifying the already volatile conflict that began in February 2022.
An official from the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDR), Andrey Baklitskiy, called the incident “unprecedented,” noting that it is the first recorded military use of an ICBM. “If true, this marks a new and concerning dimension to the conflict,” Baklitskiy posted on X.
As the conflict surpasses 1,000 days, the use of strategic weapons highlights the growing stakes and risks, urging calls for international restraint and dialogue.
