Russia-ukraine War: What Is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile?

This Thursday, a new episode of the war between Russia and Ukraine was revealed. According to Ukrainian authorities, Moscow launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) against the city of Dnipro, in east-central Ukraine.

Also, if confirmed, this attack would mark the first time Russia has used this type of projectile in the conflict. For its part, the Ukrainian air force pointed out that the missile was fired from the Astrakhan region, in Russia, near the Caspian Sea, along with eight other missiles, of which six were intercepted.

What Damage Did the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Attack Leave?

On the one hand, the attack left two people injured and caused material damage to an industrial center and a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities in Dnipro. Furthermore, it represents an alarming turn in the Russian military strategy.

It should be noted that ICBMs, designed to carry nuclear warheads, have a range of thousands of kilometers. Therefore, its use in this war underlines Moscow’s nuclear capability, sending a clear warning message to the world.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin

signed this week a revised nuclear doctrine that lowers the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons in case of threats. Consequently, it increases the tension between Russia and Western countries that support Ukraine.

Also, this occurs in a context where Ukraine has intensified its attacks. Because it used long-range missiles supplied by the United States and the United Kingdom, such as the Storm Shadow.

In addition, the Kremlin responded with threats of escalation. Highlighting that any attack against Russian territory with Western weapons could be interpreted as a direct act of war between Russia and NATO.