Kyiv: Ukraine reported on Thursday that Russia launched a new type of missile at the city of Dnipro, sparking debate over its classification. Ukrainian officials claimed it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a nuclear-capable weapon designed for long-range strikes and never before used in active warfare. U.S. officials, however, suggested it was likely an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a shorter range.
Regardless of its exact type, the strike underscores escalating tensions in the 33-month-long conflict. Recent developments have seen Ukraine deploy U.S. and British missiles against targets inside Russia, prompting sharp warnings from Moscow, including accusations that Britain is now “directly involved” in the war.
If the missile used in Dnipro was an ICBM, security experts say it would mark the first deployment of such a weapon in combat. These missiles are designed to deliver nuclear warheads and are a cornerstone of Russia's strategic deterrent. Ukraine's air force stated that the missile, reportedly launched from Astrakhan, traveled over 700 km (435 miles) and targeted critical infrastructure in Dnipro, though it was not nuclear-armed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested the missile exhibited characteristics consistent with an ICBM and called for an international response to what he described as Russia’s use of “new weaponry.” Fabian Hoffmann, a missile technology expert, noted that the missile's use of a MIRVed (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) payload was particularly significant, as such payloads are typically associated with nuclear-capable systems.
The strike on Dnipro damaged industrial facilities and caused fires, injuring two people, according to local officials. Video footage published by a Ukrainian military charity appeared to show glowing projectiles descending over the city.
Russia’s defense ministry did not comment on the specific missile but reported shooting down two British Storm Shadow missiles earlier in the week. Ukraine has expanded its missile capabilities, using Western-provided Storm Shadows and U.S. ATACMS missiles to target Russian bases. Moscow has condemned these strikes as escalatory, while Kyiv maintains they are necessary for defense.
Analysts speculated that Russia’s possible use of an ICBM might have been intended as a deterrent following Ukraine's intensified attacks with Western weapons. Experts also noted that such an unprecedented move signals a sharp escalation in the conflict.
As NATO and other international bodies have yet to comment on the incident, the situation highlights the growing complexity of the war, with both sides seeking to secure strategic advantages ahead of potential peace talks.