Thu Nov 21 13:15:07 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Claims Russia Fired ICBM; Western Officials Cast Doubt

**London/Kyiv –** Ukraine alleges Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the city of Dnipro overnight, marking a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict. However, a Western official has denied this claim to ABC News, stating that a shorter-range ballistic missile was used instead. The discrepancy has prompted urgent investigations by UK intelligence services.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that the missile’s speed and altitude were consistent with an ICBM. The Ukrainian Air Force reported nine projectiles launched from the Astrakhan region of Russia, impacting industrial and critical infrastructure in Dnipro between 5 am and 7 am local time. While the strike reportedly caused no casualties, 17 people were injured in a separate Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih.

A spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister confirmed that British intelligence is actively investigating the conflicting reports. The spokesperson emphasized that, if confirmed, the use of an ICBM would represent a grave escalation by Russia.

The Western official’s denial casts doubt on Ukraine’s claim. Experts, such as Pavel Podvig, highlight the military ineffectiveness of using an ICBM for this type of attack due to its low accuracy and high cost, suggesting it might have been intended as a symbolic gesture.

Russia’s defense ministry made no mention of the incident in its daily briefing, although a leaked phone conversation involving Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova seemingly alluded to a ballistic missile strike targeting a military facility in Dnipro.

This incident comes amidst heightened tensions. Hungary announced plans to deploy an air defense system, citing increased war escalation risks. The EU expressed concern over the nearly half a million visas issued to Russian citizens in 2023, raising security concerns. South Korea and Japan condemned North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia. Meanwhile, debates continue in the UK Parliament regarding the use of UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles in Russia and the overall support for Ukraine. The UK government remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s self-defense, emphasizing that aid is proportionate and legal.

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