In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has launched an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The Pentagon confirmed the missile, based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile model, carried a conventional warhead. However, officials warned the missile has the potential to be outfitted with nuclear capabilities.
“The United States was prenotified, briefly, before the launch, through nuclear risk reduction channels,” said Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon press secretary, during a briefing. She described the deployment as concerning, noting it marked the first battlefield use of this type of weapon in the ongoing conflict.
“This was a new type of lethal capability deployed on the battlefield,” Singh stated, adding that the missile’s high trajectory and ability to carry large payloads make it a serious threat. Despite the conventional payload, experts fear the IRBM could be retrofitted for more destructive purposes.
The strike on Dnipro underscores Russia’s shift in tactics as it seeks to leverage advanced weaponry to regain momentum in the war. While the immediate impact of the missile strike remains under assessment, the escalation drew swift condemnation from the United States and its allies.
In response to evolving battlefield dynamics, the U.S. has announced it will supply Ukraine with antipersonnel landmines designed to counter Russian advances. Speaking from Laos, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III emphasized that the landmines provided by the U.S. are distinct from those being fabricated by Ukraine.
“The landmines we are offering are not persistent,” Austin explained. “We can control when they self-activate or self-detonate, making them far safer compared to the improvised landmines currently produced by Ukraine.”
The antipersonnel landmines are tailored to disrupt Russian forces’ evolving strategies, which now prioritize dismounted troops over mechanized advances.
Ukraine has assured the U.S. that these weapons will be used solely within its territory and away from civilian areas. “They’ve committed to using these mines responsibly, ensuring they do not endanger populated areas,” Singh confirmed.
As the conflict enters another perilous phase, the introduction of advanced weaponry by both sides signals a deepening crisis. The international community watches closely, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation.–News Desk