Ukraine says Russia has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile at a target in the city center of Dnipro, and if confirmed, it would be the first time Moscow has used such a missile since the war, said the Associated Press.
A post by the Ukrainian air force on the Telegram app today did not specify the exact type of missile, but said it was fired early this morning from Russia’s Astrakhan region, which straddles the Caspian Sea.
The publication said that the missile was fired in the city of Dnipro, along with eight other missiles, and that the armed forces of Ukraine shot down six of them.
According to local officials, two people were injured in the attack, and a business site and a rehabilitation center for the disabled were damaged.
This type of ballistic missile has a long range and can carry conventional and nuclear warheads over a long distance, including reaching another continent. This type of missile can travel a distance of up to 5,500 km and hit targets almost anywhere in the world.
At first glance, a long-range ICBM seems too much for an attack on Ukraine, and this type of missile is designed to carry nuclear warheads, but its use will serve as a chilling reminder of its capabilities Russia’s nuclear program as well as a powerful message of possible escalation. AP said.
It comes as the war takes on an increasingly international dimension among North Korean soldiers to join Russia on the battlefield. According to US officials, this prompted the change in policy by US President Joe Biden, who allowed Ukraine to send US long-range missiles to Russia. The Kremlin responded with threats of further escalation.
The attack comes two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin signs renewed nuclear doctrinewhich officially lowers the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. On Tuesday, Ukraine fired several US long-range missiles at Russia, and yesterday there were media reports fired British Storm Shadow missiles (Storm shadow).
The Institute for the Study of War also reported last night that Ukraine appeared to have used British Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Russia for the first time, DPA said.
Putin had warned the US and its NATO allies that allowing Ukraine to use Western long-range weapons to hit Russian territory would mean Russia and NATO were at war.
Russia’s new nuclear doctrine allows Moscow to respond with nuclear weapons even to a conventional attack if it is carried out by a country with the backing of a nuclear power. Although Russia’s doctrine provides for the possibility of a nuclear response to a conventional strike, the document avoids clear wording to make a strong commitment to use nuclear weapons and leave Putin’s options open, the AP said.
2024-11-21 10:39:00
#Russia #launched #intercontinental #ballistic #missile #Ukraine
* **How does Russia’s alleged use of an ICBM against Dnipro affect the balance of power in the region and globally, and what potential responses might we see from NATO and other global players?**
## World Today News: Intercontinental Implications
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today’s discussion centers around the recent developments in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We have with us two distinguished guests to shed light on the implications of Russia’s alleged use of an ICBM and the escalating tensions surrounding the war.
**Guest 1:** Dr. Anna Petrov, a leading expert on Russian military strategy at the Institute for Strategic Studies.
**Guest 2:** Michael Thompson, a former senior advisor for NATO, specializing in international conflict resolution.
**Section 1: The Significance of ICBM Use**
* **Host:** Dr. Petrov, Ukraine claims Russia fired an ICBM at Dnipro. How significant is this development tactically and strategically? What might motivate Russia to utilize such a powerful weapon?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Host:** Mr. Thompson, what are your thoughts on the use of an ICBM against a relatively centralized target in Dnipro? Does this suggest a new phase in the conflict?
* **Guest 2:**
**Section 2: Escalation and Nuclear Rhetoric**
* **Host:** Doctor Petrov, Russia recently revised its nuclear doctrine. In light of this and the potential use of an ICBM, how much weight should we give to speeches and statements from Russia about a possible nuclear response?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Host:** Mr. Thompson, from a NATO perspective, how does this Russia’s use of a powerful weapon impact the perception of risk and the potential for escalation involving NATO members?
* **Guest 2:**
**Section 3: International Implications**
* **Host:** This incident comes amidst reports of world powers like North Korea potentially sending troops to support Russia. How does this international involvement complicate the conflict and what are the potential consequences?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Host:** Mr. Thompson, what role do international organizations like the UN play in mediating this conflict and preventing further escalation, especially with the heightened nuclear rhetoric and the potential for wider global involvement?
* **Guest 2:**
**Closing:**
Thank you both for your insightful contributions to this critical discussion. The situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile and we will continue to monitor developments closely.
**[Note for Editor]:** This interview framework provides a starting point.
Remember to allow space for deeper exploration of each question, encourage opposing viewpoints, and provide ample opportunity for both guests to share their expertise.
