Ukraine has accused Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile during an overnight attack, the first time such a weapon has been used in the conflict between the two countries. However, a Western official disputed this claim, stating that it was instead a ballistic missile, not an ICBM, that was fired. The Kremlin has not responded to these accusations. The missile was reportedly targeting the city of Dnipro, with the specific model and impact still being assessed.
This alleged escalation comes after Ukrainian forces used U.S. and British-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian soil, prompting warnings from Moscow. Two people were reportedly injured in the attack on Dnipro, with a separate attack in Kryvyi Rih injuring 15 people.
Putin recently revised Russia’s nuclear doctrine, allowing for the use of nuclear weapons if attacked by a non-nuclear country supported by a nuclear state. Analysts caution against automatically assuming danger from the alleged ICBM deployment, as its conventional use might not make strategic sense. Despite the Kremlin’s rhetoric, the risk of Russian nuclear use in the conflict with Ukraine remains low, given Russia’s military advances and territorial gains.
Experts believe the West’s relaxation of restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons may enhance Kyiv’s capabilities but will not significantly impact the battlefield situation. The potential diplomatic and economic consequences of nuclear weapons use, particularly in alienating nations like China, are seen as deterrents to escalating the conflict to the nuclear level.
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