Russia Launches Intercontinental Ballistic Missile on Dnipro, Ukraine’s Air Forces Report

AFP | Russia

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In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro for the first time since the beginning of its full-scale invasion, Ukrainian Air Forces reported on November 21. The missile strike was part of a broader wave of attacks on Ukrainian cities, including several other types of missiles fired from different regions in Russia.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the ICBM was launched from the Astrakhan region in southern Russia, marking a new phase in Russia’s missile strategy. In addition to the ICBM, the Russian military also deployed a variety of other missile types, including an aeroballistic Kh-47M2 "Kinzhal" missile fired from a MiG-31K fighter jet in the Tambov region, as well as seven Kh-101 cruise missiles launched from strategic Tu-95MS bombers.

While the attack on Dnipro resulted in damage to key infrastructure, including a rehabilitation center for disabled individuals, Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted six of the Kh-101 cruise missiles during the nighttime assault. Despite the interception, the mayor of Dnipro reported that the Russian strike caused significant damage to the building’s boiler room and shattered windows, though no major casualties were reported in the aftermath.

"Regarding other missiles, there were no significant consequences," Ukraine's Air Force statement added, providing some reassurance amid the otherwise intense bombardment.

The attack on Dnipro is the latest in a series of Russian missile assaults on Ukrainian territory, which have been part of a broader strategy to weaken Ukraine’s infrastructure and military capabilities. The strike also highlights the evolving nature of Russia's missile use, with intercontinental ballistic missiles now being employed against targets in Ukraine, which is a significant shift from previous missile attacks.

Since the beginning of the war, Russia has launched more than 10,000 missiles and over 13,000 drones at Ukraine, according to Ukrainian military sources. The total cost of these attacks has been estimated to exceed $17 billion, a financial burden that underscores the extensive military resources Russia has committed to its invasion.

As the conflict drags on, missile attacks like these continue to shape the battlefield, with both sides relying heavily on advanced missile technology to gain an upper hand. While Ukraine’s air defenses have proven capable of intercepting some of these threats, the ongoing missile campaigns highlight the high-stakes nature of the war, particularly in cities like Dnipro, which have seen increasing levels of destruction.