Kyiv: Russia has taken the conflict in Ukraine to a new level by launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday morning, targeting Dnipro, a central-eastern city in Ukraine. This is the first time since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 that Moscow has employed such a powerful, long-range missile in its war efforts.
According to Ukraine’s military officials, the missile was fired from Russia’s southern Astrakhan region, hitting critical infrastructure and industrial enterprises in Dnipro. The air force confirmed the attack caused damage to a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, along with several industrial facilities. Two people were reported wounded in the attack. However, the exact scope of the damage remains unclear.
The ICBM, a weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has sparked concern internationally. Despite its considerable range, which far exceeds what would be necessary to strike Ukrainian targets, the missile’s use is seen as a stark reminder of Russia’s nuclear capabilities. This unprecedented move follows a series of escalating attacks in the 33-month-long war, suggesting a dangerous shift in Russia’s military strategy.
The launch of the ICBM comes shortly after Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles—manufactured jointly by the UK and France—to strike Russian targets inside Russian territory for the first time. Moscow had long warned that any such attacks on its soil would be met with severe consequences, heightening fears of further escalation.
On November 19, marking the 1,000th day of the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an updated nuclear doctrine, which states that any conventional attack on Russia, particularly if supported by a nuclear power, would be considered an act of nuclear aggression. This declaration further underscores the looming threat of nuclear warfare as both sides seem to be pushing the boundaries of conventional and unconventional warfare.
While the world watches closely, the use of an ICBM in this ongoing conflict raises the stakes, making it clear that the war’s trajectory could take an even more volatile turn, potentially dragging the international community into a more direct confrontation.
Web Team, C6N
 on Thursday morning, targeting Dnipro, a central-eastern city in Ukraine. This is the first time since Russia's invasion in February 2022 that Moscow has employed such a powerful, long-range missile in its war efforts.){kind=link}