For the first time in history, an intermediate-range ballistic missile was employed in a military conflict. Russia launched two RS-26 Rubezh missiles to attack Ukrainian targets in the city of Dnipro.
Intense video from Dnipro, #Ukraine shows what is believed to be RS-26 Rubezh ICBM multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV) impacting. pic.twitter.com/PBmhLYyoWJ
— doge (@IntelDoge) November 21, 2024
After Western allies authorized Kiev to use long-range missiles to attack targets inside Russian territory, Vladimir Putin responded by pushing for a change in the country’s nuclear doctrine, which now contemplates the use of the atomic arsenal if a state without nuclear weapons, but backed by one that does possess them, attacks Russia.
And last night, to heighten its threat of nuclear escalation, Moscow chose to use ballistic missiles, albeit loaded with conventional warheads, to attack targets in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
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… pic.twitter.com/tEsZ0Uu1bt
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 21, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that, based on their altitude and speed parameters, everything points to the fact that the weapons used in the attack on Dnipro were “intercontinental” ballistic missiles.
However, Ukrainian and Russian experts agree that the RS-26 Rubezh is the most likely candidate. This intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) can reach targets at ranges of up to 6,000 km, depending on the combat load. It is designed to carry up to six independent multiple-target reentry vehicles (MIRVs) equipped with nuclear or conventional payloads.
Footage from last night’s Russian Ballistic Missile Attack on the City of Dnipro, shows that the Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry-Vehicle (MIRV) used, equipped to either an Intermediate-Range or Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, contained at least 6… pic.twitter.com/BcH1B2l88t
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 21, 2024
Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin declared that the attack with the Oreshnik medium-range missile system equipped with V-10M hypersonic warheads against the Yuzhmash plant in Dnipro represented a successful test of the new weapon system in ‘combat conditions’. He further called it a direct response to U.S. plans to develop intermediate- and short-range missiles at facilities located on Ukrainian territory.
The novel use of this type of ballistic weaponry in a war sends a strong message to the West: unrestricted support for Ukraine could have serious consequences for Europe. However, the attack in Dnipro also makes it clear that Moscow is considering alternatives beyond the nuclear option.
