In a significant development marking a new phase in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has fired an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) at Ukraine for the first time since the war began. The missile launch, which occurred on Thursday according to reports from the southern Astrakhan region, targeted critical infrastructure in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro. This strike comes as the war reaches its 1,000-day milestone, with no end in sight.
About ICBM
ICBMs are among the most advanced and powerful weapons in the world. Capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads, these long-range missiles can travel thousands of kilometers, making them highly strategic tools of military deterrence and retaliation. Russia’s decision to use an ICBM in this conflict signals a significant escalation, highlighting the growing intensity of the war and Moscow’s readiness to deploy its most advanced military technologies.
This missile strike follows a series of recent Ukrainian actions that also represent an escalation of the conflict. Ukraine has received long-range missile systems, including US-made ATACMS and UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, which were used to target Russian military facilities deep within Russian territory. The strikes, particularly in the Kursk region, have provoked sharp reactions from Moscow, which views them as an expansion of the war beyond Ukraine’s borders. In this context, the ICBM launch is seen as a direct response to these provocations, signalling Russia’s intent to match the heightened aggression with an equally powerful show of force.
Russia’s missile attack also coincides with a recent revision in its nuclear policy. President Vladimir Putin has approved a new nuclear doctrine, which includes provisions for the potential use of nuclear weapons if Russia is attacked by a non-nuclear state, particularly if that state is assisted by a nuclear power. Although this policy has not yet been invoked, it adds another layer of tension to an already volatile conflict.
In the broader context, Russia’s use of an ICBM highlights the serious nature of its military capabilities. ICBMs are generally considered the ultimate deterrent, capable of delivering nuclear payloads over vast distances.
Several countries possess ICBMs, each with the ability to strike distant targets with devastating precision. These countries include:
Russia – With one of the largest arsenals of ICBMs, Russia maintains a formidable nuclear triad, including land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and bombers.
United States – The US is a major nuclear power with a vast ICBM arsenal as part of its nuclear triad, consisting of land-based missiles, strategic bombers, and submarine-launched missiles.
China – China has developed a range of ICBMs in recent years as part of its growing nuclear capabilities.
France – France possesses ICBMs, primarily deployed on its nuclear submarines, as a key component of its strategic deterrent.
United Kingdom – The UK also maintains a fleet of nuclear submarines with ICBMs as part of its independent nuclear deterrence strategy.
India – India has successfully developed and tested ICBMs as part of its nuclear deterrent capabilities.
North Korea – North Korea has conducted multiple tests of ICBMs in recent years, demonstrating its ability to strike targets at long distances, including parts of the US.
For Ukraine, the use of long-range missiles—including those supplied by Western powers—marks a significant military advancement. However, it also raises the spectre of further escalation. The ICBM launch by Russia serves as a stark reminder of the power that both sides now wield, and the risks involved in continuing a conflict that increasingly involves advanced, long-range weaponry.
The direct impact of the ICBM strike on Ukrainian infrastructure is still being assessed, but the symbolism of Russia deploying such a powerful weapon cannot be understated. The use of an ICBM indicates that Russia is willing to push the limits of its military capabilities, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory, with Western-supplied missiles, signals that the conflict is far from over.
As the war enters its third year, prospects for a negotiated resolution remain distant. The growing reliance on advanced weapons systems by both Russia and Ukraine points to a protracted and increasingly dangerous conflict. The international community remains on edge, with global powers watching closely as both sides continue to escalate their military engagement. The recent ICBM launch serves as a potent reminder of the high stakes and the unpredictable trajectory of a war that has already caused immense suffering and continues to evolve with each passing day.
