**Russia Launches New Missile Against Ukraine**
On November 21, Russia launched a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) against the city of Dnipro in eastern Ukraine. A U.S. official confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that the U.S. had warned Ukraine ahead of the attack about the possibility of this type of weapon being used.
The Russian missile was called “Oreshnik” and targeted an industrial enterprise in Dnipro, causing two fires and damaging a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities. At least two people were injured.
**Russian President Putin Responds**
Later that day, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the test launch of the new missile on national television. He said the attack was a response to Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles to target Russia.
**Ukraine Strikes Back**
The attack came in the wake of Ukraine’s first successful strike on a military target inside Russia using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. The Russian government has criticized this move, saying it would not go unpunished.
**Details About the “Oreshnik” Missile**
Little is known about the “Oreshnik” missile, but experts believe it may be a modified version of the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. This type of missile has a range of up to 6,000 kilometers and can carry four warheads.
**Ukraine’s Air Defenses Prepared**
Experts say Ukraine’s air defenses are prepared for these types of attacks. However, if Russia were to regularly launch intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), Ukraine’s air defenses would need to be bolstered with more advanced systems like the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense).
Read More @ kyivindependent.com