Thu Nov 21 13:15:08 UTC 2024: ## Russia Launches ICBM at Ukraine, Escalating War
**KYIV, UKRAINE** – Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine today, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This is the first time an ICBM has been used in the war, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The missile, launched from the Astrakhan region, carried a conventional warhead and targeted the central city of Dnipro, aiming to cripple Ukrainian infrastructure.
The launch comes a day after Russia revised its nuclear doctrine, broadening the conditions under which it may use nuclear weapons. This action, coupled with the ICBM strike, is seen as a strong warning to Ukraine and its Western allies following recent approvals from the US and UK allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russian territory. In response to these approvals, Ukraine launched US-made ATACMS and UK-made Storm Shadow missiles at Russian targets.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it intercepted six of the missiles fired by Russia, though it didn’t confirm if the ICBM was among them. The attack caused damage to several homes and an industrial complex in Dnipro, as well as destroying a rehabilitation center. Russia also claimed to have shot down two Storm Shadow missiles.
The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, declined to comment on the ICBM launch but reiterated Russia’s commitment to avoiding nuclear conflict, framing the new nuclear doctrine as a warning to the West. The incident represents a major escalation in the war, which recently passed its 1000th day, pushing both sides further from diplomatic solutions. International calls for a negotiated settlement continue amidst the escalating military actions.
First Piper 