Kyiv’s Air Force reported today that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the city of Dnipro during the early hours. If confirmed, this would mark the first time a nuclear-capable missile has been deployed in an active conflict.
Unverified footage surfaced, purportedly showing the destructive R-26 Rubezh missiles raining down on Dnipro, lighting up the night sky with explosions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the nation in a video posted online, remarked that the strike exhibited “all the characteristics… speed, altitude… of an intercontinental ballistic missile.” He further alleged, “It is obvious that Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground. Expert examinations are underway.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the suspected ICBM strike, labeling it as “reckless and escalatory behavior.” He warned that such actions could significantly escalate the ongoing conflict, calling the allegations “deeply concerning.” Starmer’s spokesperson added, “If true, clearly, this would be another example of depraved, reckless, and escalatory behavior from Russia.”
ICBMs, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads over a minimum range of 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles), represent a significant technological and financial investment. Analysts believe their use might be intended as an act of intimidation, particularly following Kyiv’s recent deployment of long-range Western missiles against Russian targets.
Experts have suggested that the missile fired at Dnipro likely did not carry a nuclear warhead, indicating it was likely a symbolic move. Zelensky accused Putin of turning Ukraine into a “testing ground,” asserting, “Today, our crazy neighbor has once again shown who he really is and how he despises dignity, freedom, and human life in general. And how afraid he is.”
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Russia employed multiple types of missiles in the overnight assault, including cruise missiles dropped by fighter jets. “In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation,” the statement read.
The Kremlin has neither confirmed nor denied the launch of an ICBM. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment, stating, “I have nothing to say on this topic.”
The attack appeared to be a retaliatory measure for Ukraine’s use of Western long-range missiles earlier this week. Kyiv had launched US-made ATACMS missiles and British Storm Shadow rockets against Russian targets, prompting threats from Moscow.
Russia’s ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, accused Britain of direct involvement in the conflict, stating on Sky News, “Britain and the UK is now directly involved in this war because this firing cannot happen without NATO staff, British staff as well.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that the use of Western long-range missiles by Ukraine would mark a significant escalation. In September, he claimed such actions would equate to NATO being at war with Russia. Earlier this week, Putin approved a new nuclear doctrine, allowing Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states—a move widely viewed as a warning to the West.
Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, was overheard in a press briefing declining to comment on the suspected ICBM strike after taking a call. The call, picked up by her microphone, reportedly mentioned “ballistic missile strikes on Yuzhmash [a defense plant in Dnipro]” and advised her not to comment.
Zakharova also criticized the opening of a new US ballistic missile defense base in Poland, describing it as a “priority target for potential destruction” with Russia’s advanced weaponry.
The European Union has said that if reports of an ICBM strike are accurate, it would represent a “clear escalation” by Moscow.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey expressed concern over Russia’s potential preparations for such an attack, stating, “There are unconfirmed media reports today of Russia firing a new ballistic missile into Ukraine, which we know they have been preparing for months.”
Healey added, “The front line is now less stable than at any time since the early days of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. We have seen in recent weeks a very clear escalation from Putin and his forces. They have stepped up attacks on the energy system in Ukraine ahead of winter, they have stepped up attacks on civilian centers killing children, they have deployed at least 10,000 North Korean troops to the battle front line. While the Ukrainian actions on the battlefield speak for themselves, be in no doubt that the UK Government is stepping up our support for Ukraine, determined to continue doubling down our support for Ukraine.”