Russia launched an experimental medium-range ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday, President Vladimir Putin announced, citing the supply of weapons to Kyiv by the United States and its Western allies as a reason for the strike. The Pentagon described the missile, known as RS-26 Rubezh, as an advanced variant of Russia’s intermediate-range ballistic missile.
The launch comes two days after Ukrainian forces fired American-made missiles into Russia, sparking outrage in Moscow. Putin linked the strikes to the provision of military aid by Western countries, saying that they “allow the use of their weapons against our facilities.”
Ukrainian leaders are facing a high-stakes situation as President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office raises questions about the future of US support for Kyiv. The Biden administration has rejected blame and announced plans to rush arms shipments to Ukraine.
The launch marks an escalation in cross-border fire at a critical point in the war, with Russian forces now controlling roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Experts say that Russia’s motivations go beyond military objectives, aiming to manipulate Western decision-makers through “information effects.”
Russia has notified the United States ahead of its launches, but officials downplay the significance of the RS-26 launch, stating that Moscow may be trying to intimidate Ukraine and its supporters. The attack on Dnipro was launched from over 600 miles away, using a combination of cruise missiles and a Kinzhal ballistic missile.
Experts caution against overstating the impact of the RS-26 launch, noting that Russia has used nuclear-capable missiles in Ukraine before. However, the situation remains uncertain, with Putin signaling a potential escalation in the war.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/11/21/ukraine-russia-icbm-storm-shadow-missiles