Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile to strike Ukraine for the first time. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this in a report on Russian strikes on Thursday night. how come he says According to the report, the missile was launched from Astrakhan region. No other details are given there.
The Russian military did not mention how an intercontinental ballistic missile could be used to hit Ukraine. Several pro-war telegram channels previously wrote that the use of this type of weapon could be a response to attacks by Ukrainian troops with long-range Western weapons on Russian territory.
Several analysts, based on the published video and open data, express doubts that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile, indicating, among other things, that it should announce such a release. advance warning nuclear powers, or at least the US. There is speculation that this was a ballistic missile of a different type, possibly Iranian-made or medium-range. Source ABC – said an official from one of the Western countries – also that there was no talk of using an intercontinental missile.
The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Maria Zakharova, as follows from the published video, received a correct phone call at a press conference on Thursday, when her unknown correspondent asked not to discuss the topic of an intercontinental ballistic missile strike which may be at the meeting.
Intercontinental ballistic missiles are among the most powerful missile weapons in the arsenal of the Russian army. Missiles of this class are usually equipped with nuclear warheads and are part of strategic nuclear forces. The missiles, however, can carry conventional warheads.
The strike on Ukraine on the night of November 21st was non-nuclear. Sources of publication “Ukrainian truth”as well as several telegram channels saying that the RS-26 Rubezh missile system was used for the attack. Analyst Pavel Podvig notesthat this complex, even if it were used, does not mainly fall under interregional characteristics – it can be qualified as a mid-range center.
Media channels and telegrams suggest that an intercontinental ballistic missile could be used to hit the city of Dnepr. As a result of this strike, as previously stated by authorities, a business venture was damaged and two fires started in the city. About this reported Head of Dnepropetrovsk regional administration Sergei Lysak. The Mayor of Dnipro, Boris Filatov, said that as a result of the shelling, the building of the rehabilitation center for people with disabilities was damaged – the boiler room was destroyed and windows were broken.
Ukrainian telegram channels publish video of the supposed effects of the impact – they show explosions and fire. Recognized about two victims.
An air raid alert was declared across Ukraine overnight, and both the threat of ballistic missile fire and the launch of cruise missiles were reported. No other consequences of the strike were reported, except for explosions and fires in the Dnieper, however, on Thursday morning in several regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv, an emergency power outage was reported. involved, which could be the result of both the impact of the recent strike on the energy system of Ukraine and and with a blow on the night of November 21.
The shelling was not too great – the Ukrainian Air Force reported that a total of six Russian missiles were shot down, as well as ICBMs, a Kinzhal missile and seven cruise missiles.
The day before, the US Embassy in Ukraine, followed by the embassies of several other states, announced that they would not work on Wednesday due to information received about a possible large Russian airfield in Kyiv – against the background of reports that Ukraine received permission to use Western long-range weapons for strikes across the Russian territory. However, no such strike took place during the day on 20 November. In the evening, US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brinks reportedthat the embassy has resumed work. The message emphasizes the need to be vigilant.
2024-11-21 07:34:00
#Russia #hits #Ukraine #intercontinental #ballistic #missile
Given Russia’s history of missile use and the lack of definitive confirmation regarding the Dnipro strike, what strategic objectives might Russia pursue through the deployment of ballistic missiles in Ukraine, even if not nuclear-armed?
## Interview: Russia’s Missile Strike – Fact, Fiction, or Threat?
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Elena Petrov:** Senior Fellow at the Institute for International Security Studies, specializing in Russian military strategy and nuclear weaponry.
* **Mark Anderson:**
Independent defense analyst with over a decade of experience covering conflicts in the post-Soviet space.
**Introduction:**
Welcome to today’s discussion on the recent events in Ukraine. Reports have surfaced alleging that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to strike Dnipro, Ukraine. This news has sparked significant concern and debate. We’re joined by two experts to analyze the situation, examine the evidence, and explore the potential implications of such an escalation.
**Section 1: The Initial Report & Evidence Gap**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Petrov, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the use of an ICBM. What are your initial thoughts based on this information?
* **Dr. Petrov:** It’s important to approach this news with caution. While the Ukrainian source is credible, independent verification is crucial in such sensitive matters.
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Anderson, open-source intelligence suggests skepticism regarding the ICBM claim. Could you elaborate?
* **Mr. Anderson:** Some analysts, citing the lack of a formal announcement by Russia, which is standard practice for ICBM launches, and the type of damage observed, question the use of this specific weapon.
**Section 2: Types of Missiles and Potential Motives**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Petrov, if the presence of an ICBM wasn’t confirmed, what other missile types could have been used and what might Russia’s motives be behind the strike?
* **Dr. Petrov:** We know Russia possesses various other potent ballistic and cruise missile systems. The strike on Dnipro, if confirmed, could be a strategic attempt to target Ukrainian infrastructure or a response to perceived Ukrainian attacks within Russian territory.
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Anderson, can you provide insights into Russia’s historical precedent for missile usage in conflict and how this incident aligns with those patterns?
* **Mr. Anderson:** Russia has a checkered history with launching missiles in conflict zones. While ICBMs are not commonly used in conventional warfare due to their immense destructive power, the use of other ballistic and cruise missiles is not uncommon.
* **Section 3: International Implications & Escalation Risk**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Petrov, what are the potential international consequences of confirming the use of an ICBM, even for a non-nuclear strike?
* **Dr. Petrov:** The use of such a powerful weapon, even without a nuclear warhead, would be highly escalatory. It could trigger diplomatic condemnation from the international community and potentially prompt a NATO response.
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Anderson, what steps do you think the international community should take to prevent further escalation in this conflict?
* **Mr. Anderson:** Fostering channels of communication between Russia and its adversaries, emphasizing the need for de-escalation, and potentially negotiating a ceasefire are paramount to prevent this conflict from spiralling out of control.
**Conclusion:**
The alleged ICBM strike, whether confirmed or misidentified, highlights the serious risks present in the ongoing conflict. This discussion emphasizes the need for verifiable information, a nuanced understanding of military capabilities, and continued international efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent further tragedy. We thank both experts for their invaluable contributions to this crucial conversation.
