Russia has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine, marking the first use of such a weapon in active combat. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the missile, equipped with a non-nuclear payload, targeted the city of Dnipro. This attack followed an escalation in the conflict, as Ukraine recently began striking Russian territory using long-range weapons approved by the U.S. and the U.K.
Ukrainian forces reported intercepting six additional missiles during the assault but highlighted the ICBM as a significant development. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov deflected questions about the missile use, calling it a “military matter.” Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had previously updated the country’s nuclear doctrine, warning NATO against facilitating Ukrainian strikes within Russian borders.
The use of an ICBM underscores Russia’s capability to deploy weapons capable of global reach, even as the conflict surpasses 1,000 days. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stressed the critical importance of international support to sustain his country’s defenses, warning that withdrawal of U.S. aid could shift the war’s outcome.
Compounding the tension, the geopolitical stakes have intensified with President-elect Donald Trump’s assertion that he could resolve the war within 24 hours, raising questions about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. As the war drags on, millions remain displaced, and casualties continue to mount.
