Russian forces have reportedly deployed the RS-26 “Rubezh” intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) against Ukraine for the first time. The missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, targeted the city of Dnipro during a large-scale attack on critical infrastructure and industrial facilities in the early hours of 21 November.
Ukraine’s Air Force Command confirmed the launch, stating that the attack occurred between 5:00 and 7:00 am. According to the statement, the offensive involved multiple types of missiles:
- The RS-26 “Rubezh” ICBM was launched from the Astrakhan region in southern Russia.
- A Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal” aeroballistic missile was deployed from a MiG-31K fighter jet in Tambov region.
- Seven Kh-101 cruise missiles were launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers based in Volgograd region.
Ukrainian air defence systems successfully intercepted six of the Kh-101 missiles. However, details regarding the impact and effectiveness of the “Rubezh” and other missiles remain unclear.
In their statement, Ukraine’s Air Force noted that air defence units engaged in intense combat during the missile barrage. Despite the destruction of several cruise missiles, officials have yet to provide a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by the “Rubezh” strike or confirm reports of casualties.
“The information about casualties and damage is currently being verified,” Ukrainian Air Force Command said.
The RS-26 “Rubezh” is an advanced Russian intercontinental ballistic missile developed as part of Moscow’s strategic arsenal. Officially unveiled in 2018, it has a range of up to 6,000 kilometres and is designed to evade sophisticated missile defence systems. The missile can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads, adding to its versatility and threat potential.
While “Rubezh” has previously been tested within Russian territory, this marks the first reported instance of its use in an active combat scenario.
The use of such a missile against Ukraine represents a significant escalation in the ongoing war, raising concerns about Russia’s potential willingness to utilise its strategic weaponry in conventional warfare. The deployment of an ICBM, typically reserved for strategic deterrence, highlights the evolving nature of the war and its potential to disrupt international security norms.
Ukraine has consistently called for enhanced international support, including advanced air defence systems, to counter the growing sophistication of Russian missile strikes.
This attack comes amid heightened tensions and an intensifying conflict. In recent months, Russia has increased its reliance on missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, industrial facilities, and urban centres as winter approaches. The strikes appear aimed at undermining Ukraine’s resilience and civilian morale.
Update
Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipro Regional Military Administration, and Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov reported extensive damage across multiple locations in the city as a result of the missile strike. Key sites affected include an industrial enterprise and a rehabilitation centre for people with disabilities, where the heating system was destroyed and windows shattered.
Two private homes also suffered damage, with one engulfed in flames before emergency services extinguished the fire. A separate fire broke out in a garage cooperative, causing significant damage to nine garages.
The attack injured two individuals: a 57-year-old man, who was treated at the scene, and a 42-year-old woman, who required hospitalisation. Authorities are still evaluating the extent of the destruction.
Residents have been advised to remain in shelters as the air raid alert remains in effect.
Read also:
Russia’s Potential RS-26 Missile Strike: Analysis and Implications for Ukraine
