Russia Uses ICBMs Against Ukraine for the First Time
In a new tactic, Russia has used an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) against Ukraine. This is the first time Russia has used ICBMs in its war with Ukraine.
The attack was on Dnipro City in central-eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force says that an unspecified ICBM, as well as a Kinzhal aeroballistic missile and several Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles, were used in the attack.
Russia’s Strategy
This Russian attack is part of a broader strategy to scare civilians and make them lose hope. The goal is to hit residential areas and energy infrastructure on purpose.
The Attack Details
On November 21, between 5:00 and 7:00 am, Russia targeted industrial facilities and critical infrastructure in Dnipro. An ICBM was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan Oblast, about 1,000 km away. A Kinzhal aeroballistic missile was fired from a MiG-31K fighter jet in Tambov Oblast, and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles came from Tu-95MS bombers over Volgograd Oblast.
Most of the Kh-101 missiles were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses, but some caused damage. Two people were injured: a 57-year-old man who was treated on-site, and a 42-year-old woman who was hospitalized.
Damage to Infrastructure
Dnipro’s Regional Military Administration reported that an industrial enterprise, a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, a boiler facility, and two one-family homes were damaged. Fires broke out at multiple locations, including a garage cooperative where nine garages were damaged. Emergency services put out all the fires and helped affected residents.
What We Know So Far
We don’t know what type of warhead was on the ICBM or if it hit its intended target. The Ukrainian Air Force didn’t share this information. There are also questions about whether Russia might have used an RS-26 Rubezh, a mobile ICBM that can make intermediate-range strikes.
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