(VIDEO) In a First, Russia Is Accused of Using ICBM in Attack on Ukraine
(VIDEO) Ukrainian media sources report that the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launched by Russia yesterday is believed to be the RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fueled ICBM capable of striking targets up to 5,800 km away, according to the Arms Control Association.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Russia has reportedly launched an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) against Ukraine, marking the first known use of such a weapon—designed to strike targets thousands of kilometers away—in the history of warfare.
The development was confirmed by Ukraine’s Air Force.
The use of a conventionally armed ICBM signals escalating tensions in the 33-month-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
If verified, experts suggest this would represent the first deployment of an ICBM, originally developed to carry nuclear warheads, in combat.
ICBMs form a critical component of Russia’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
However, the Kremlin has yet to respond to allegations of their use in Ukraine, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov referring inquiries to Russia’s Ministry of Defense.
DETAILS OF THE MISSILE AND STRIKE
Ukrainian media sources claim the missile in question was the RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fueled ICBM with a range of 5,800 km, according to the Arms Control Association.
Initially tested in 2012, the RS-26 Rubezh is estimated to be 12 meters tall, weigh 36 tons, and is capable of carrying an 800 kg nuclear payload, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
RS-26 Rubezh is a solid-fueled ICBM equipped with MIRV technology.
Solid-fuel missiles do not need to be fuelled immediately after launch and are often easier to operate.
ICBMs with MIRV technology, allow multiple targets located at different locations to be engaged from the same missile with several warheads. These warheads could be nuclear or non-nuclear.
These bombs can target locations that are several hundred kilometres apart with the help of the technology and some MIRVed missiles can even hit targets separated by a distance of 1,500 kilometres.
The missile was allegedly launched from Astrakhan, Russia, targeting critical infrastructure in Dnipro, eastern Ukraine.
In addition to the ICBM strike, Russia also launched KH-101 cruise missiles at infrastructure sites in Dnipro.
ESCALATION OF MILITARY TACTICS
The alleged ICBM strike follows Ukraine’s recent use of Storm Shadow and ATACMS cruise missiles against Russian and North Korean forces in the Kursk region of Russia, now occupied by Ukraine.
These strikes were enabled by U.S. approval to deploy Western-made long-range weaponry.
The decision by U.S. President Joe Biden to authorize these strikes, just two months before his departure from office and replacement by Donald Trump, has been viewed as a potential trigger for further escalation in the conflict.
NUCLEAR THRESHOLD LOWERED
In response to Ukraine’s use of long-range Western-made weaponry, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a reduction in the threshold for Moscow to justify the use of nuclear weapons.
This development heightens global fears of a third world war, with the possibility of adversaries deploying their nuclear stockpiles against each other becoming increasingly plausible. — DSA
