Ukraine claims Russia fired ICBM in major missile strike

Ukraine has accused Russia of deploying an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a massive missile assault on November 21, marking a potentially dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict.

“On the morning of November 21, 2024… Russian troops attacked the city of Dnipro (facilities and critical infrastructure) with missiles of various types. In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation,” Ukraine’s air force reported via Telegram.

If confirmed, this would be the first use of an ICBM in active warfare, a weapon traditionally associated with nuclear capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy underscored the gravity of the incident, stating, “Today, our crazy neighbor once again showed what he really is. And how afraid he is.”

The assault targeted the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, a critical industrial hub. Regional Governor Serhiy Lysak reported significant damage to an industrial facility and fires in the city of Dnipro. Explosions were also reported in Kremenchuk in central Ukraine.

Ukraine’s air force confirmed the attack included a mix of missile types, including a hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, of which six were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses.

While Kyiv pointed to the missile’s characteristics—speed and altitude—as indicative of an ICBM, military analysts remain cautious, noting such missiles could be classified as intermediate-range if modified. Christophe Lemoine, a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, called the potential use of an ICBM “extremely serious.”

A Response to Western-Backed Strikes?

The attack comes days after reports surfaced of Ukraine using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles and U.S.-made ATACMS systems to target deep within Russian territory. Russian military bloggers claimed that on November 20, Ukraine launched up to 12 Storm Shadows into Russia’s Kursk region. Neither London nor Kyiv has confirmed the strikes.

Earlier this week, Ukraine reportedly struck a military facility in Russia’s Bryansk region using ATACMS after President Joe Biden allegedly approved their use.

Moscow has consistently warned that Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles within its borders would escalate the conflict.

In a related development, Russia criticized the opening of a U.S. missile defense base in Redzikowo, Poland, calling it a “provocative step” that increases nuclear risks. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, said the base undermines strategic stability.

Poland dismissed the claims, asserting the base is purely defensive. “It is a base that serves the purpose of defense, not attack,” Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski responded.

The alleged use of an ICBM by Russia has raised alarms among global observers, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the war. However, the lack of independent verification keeps the full implications of the strike uncertain.