[キーウ 21日 ロイター] – The Ukrainian Air Force announced on the 21st that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from southern Astrakhan oblast in the morning.
This is the first time that Russia has launched such a powerful long-range missile during the Ukraine war.
Military experts say that if that is true, it will be the first time an ICBM has been used in combat. The ICBM can carry a nuclear warhead, but the Ukrainian military has not disclosed details such as the type of warhead.
In response to questions from reporters, Russian Presidential Spokesman Peskov referred the Russian military for comments.
According to Ukrainian media agency Ukraine Pravda, citing unnamed sources, the ICBM launched by Russia towards Dnipro, a city in east-central Ukraine, was an RS-26 Lubezh with solid fuel.
According to the Arms Control Association, the RS-26 has a range of 5,800 km. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), it is estimated to be 12 meters long and weigh 36 tons. It can carry an 800 kg nuclear warhead.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian military also launched one Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces shot down six Kh-101s.
According to the Air Force, Russian forces targeted industries and critical infrastructure in Dnipro. It is not clear what the ICBM was aiming for. The Air Force did not say if there was any damage, but Dnipropetrovsk Governor Risak said one company in Dnipro was damaged and a fire broke out. Two people were reported injured.
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2024-11-21 11:11:00
* Given Russia’s stated objectives in Ukraine and the potential consequences of deploying an ICBM, what are the most likely intended outcomes of this action from Russia’s perspective? [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/19/europe/ukraine-russia-atacms-biden-strike-intl/index.html)]
## Interview: Russia’s ICBM Launch and Its Implications
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the breaking news of Russia’s unprecedented launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards Ukraine. Joining us today are **Dr. Maria Petrova**, a leading expert on Russian military strategy from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and **Ambassador John Davies**, former US ambassador to Ukraine, now with the Atlantic Council.
**Section 1: Understanding the Event**
* **Host:** Dr. Petrova, the Ukrainian Air Force claims this is the first time an ICBM has been used in combat. Can you walk us through the significance of this development? What makes this different from conventional missile attacks we’ve seen in the conflict?
* **Host:** Ambassador Davies, considering Russia’s stated objectives in Ukraine, what potential strategic aims could this ICBM launch serve? Is it a sign of desperation, a bid to escalate, or something else entirely?
**Section 2: Analyzing Military Capabilities and Risks**
* **Host:** Dr. Petrova, Ukraine identifies the missile as an RS-26 Lubezh. What are the capabilities of this specific ICBM? What kind of damage could it inflict, and what are the potential implications for civilian populations?
* **Host:** Ambassador Davies, given the potential for a nuclear warhead, how dangerous is this escalation? Does it signal a higher risk of nuclear confrontation, and what steps can the international community take to de-escalate the situation?
**Section 3: Diplomatic and Global Implications**
* **Host:** Dr. Petrova, this incident will undoubtedly heighten tensions between Russia and the West. How might this impact ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war? What are the potential responses from NATO and other international actors?
* **Host:** Ambassador Davies, from a US foreign policy perspective, how should the Biden administration navigate this situation? What are the options for responding to Russian aggression while avoiding further escalation?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* **Host:** Dr. Petrova, considering the escalating nature of this conflict, what scenarios do you foresee in the coming weeks and months? What are the potential long-term consequences of this ICBM launch for Russia, Ukraine, and the global security landscape?
* **Host:** Ambassador Davies, what message would you send to the people of Ukraine and the international community in light of this latest development?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you both for joining us today and sharing your valuable insights on this critical issue. We at World Today News will continue to provide updates on this developing story as it unfolds.