Russia’s use of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) against Ukraine would be a major escalation, according to EU foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano.
Stano said that such an attack would mark another clear escalation by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched nine missiles, including a conventional ICBM, at the city of Dnipro on November 21. At least two people were injured and several buildings damaged.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that an investigation is ongoing, but the missile’s speed and altitude suggest intercontinental ballistic capabilities.
This would be the first time Russia has used an ICBM in the war against Ukraine. It comes after the US allowed Ukraine to carry out strikes in Russia with Western long-range missiles, and Russia updated its nuclear deterrence policy.
However, a Western official disputed this claim, saying it resembled a regular ballistic missile. It remains unclear what type of ICBM was deployed.
Russia has not commented on the incident. In a video clip, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova received a phone call during a press conference apparently asking her not to comment on reports about “ballistic missile strikes.”