Ukrainian Military Claims Russia Launched ICBM Against It, Russia Says It Was An Oreshnik Hypersonic Ballistic Missile, DOD Adjusts Nuclear Deterrence Strategy
The Ukrainian Air Force had said that it was tracking what it believed to be an ICBM on Thursday morning, along with six other missiles..
EUROPE - After the Ukrainian military claimed that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro from Astrahan, Russia around 621 miles away, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that it had hit Ukraine with its new ‘Oreshnik’ Hypersonic Missile in response to strikes within its territory by American-provided long-range missiles.
According to the Pentagon, the missile that Russia launched at Dnipro, Ukraine was an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) based on the RS-26 Rubezh ICBM model. The United States was pre-notified briefly before the launch.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that the US missile defense base in Poland has been considered a priority target for the Russian Armed Forces for a long time, and continues to be.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the missile had the "characteristics" of an ICBM, such as the same speed an altitude an ICBM would have, but Ukraine has not released any evidence to support the claims.
The Ukrainian Air Force had said that it was tracking what it believed to be an ICBM on Thursday morning, along with six other missiles. It said what it claimed to be an ICBM was fired at Dnipro from Astrahan, Russia around 621 miles away from the target:
Zelensky said, "Today it was a new Russian missile. All the parameters: speed, altitude -- match those of an intercontinental ballistic missile".
No confirmation of a ballistic missile attack was given by Moscow, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to comment but said questions should be directed at the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “Today, our insane neighbor has once again revealed its true nature—its disdain for dignity, freedom, and human life itself. And, most of all, its fear. Fear so overwhelming that it unleashes missile after missile, scouring the globe for more weapons—whether from Iran or North Korea. Today, it was a new Russian missile. Its speed and altitude suggest intercontinental ballistic capabilities. Investigations are ongoing. It’s clear that Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground.
It’s also clear that he is terrified of normal life next to him. A life where people live with dignity. A country that wants to be free and has the right to be independent. Putin will do anything to keep his neighbor from slipping out of his grasp. And I thank every Ukrainian—men and women alike—who defend Ukraine from this evil with resilience, bravery, and strength. With dignity.
Dignity. It’s one of the defining words for Ukraine. And it’s a word that will likely never again be spoken about Russia.”
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