Kyiv Reports Russia’s Launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, Tensions Expected to Rise

Just after the U.S. approved the use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine, the Ukrainian capital Kyiv reported that Russia had fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the country. The Ukrainian Air Force also confirmed the report; however, an official statement from Russia has not yet been made. If confirmed, this would mark the first-ever use of an ICBM in history.

The Ukrainian government has not yet issued an official statement about the missile's target or its destruction. President Zelensky has stated that an investigation is underway regarding the missile, in a video statement. Only regional governor Serhiy Lysak has confirmed that industrial property in the city of Dnipro has been damaged and two people were injured.

When asked about the incident, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged the press to contact Russian military officials for any comments. The Russian government has not yet confirmed or denied the launch of the ICBM, leaving the situation unclear.

There has been no comment from the European Union or NATO yet. The U.S. European Command has only stated that it has no reports of an ICBM being used. Before this incident, the newly elected U.S. president, Donald Trump, in his second term, made statements about ending the ongoing conflict, criticizing the previous president, Joe Biden, for sending millions of dollars in aid to Ukraine. It is expected that President Trump will initiate peace talks.

Without further information from international organizations and Russian officials, it is difficult to predict the exact consequences of this action. We will continue to report on this issue as more information emerges.

To learn more about the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, ongoing since February 24, 2022, you can read our report containing historical context, timelines, and personal briefs.

Source: Reuters

Author: Defne Doğan