(SQAUK) — In an unprecedented escalation, Russian President Vladimir Putin held his promise to adversarial forces. He launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) aimed at Ukraine, marking the first use of such a weapon in active combat. This action follows allegations that NATO forces have violated established rules of engagement.
On November 21, 2024, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia fired an ICBM toward the city of Dnipro. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, “Today it was a new Russian missile. All the parameters: speed, altitude—match those of an intercontinental ballistic missile.”
The Ukrainian Air Force tracked the missile’s launch from Russia’s Astrakhan region, noting that it was accompanied by six additional missiles targeting the Dnipro area. While six missiles were intercepted, the non-nuclear ICBM struck its intended target, causing damage to infrastructure but reportedly resulting in no casualties.
This development has raised significant concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region. The use of an ICBM in a theater of war is unprecedented and signals a dramatic shift in the conflict. Western officials have expressed skepticism regarding the classification of the missile, suggesting it may have been a shorter-range ballistic missile.
The international community closely monitors the situation, with calls for restraint and adherence to international laws governing armed conflict. The use of such a weapon underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life.
