In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia reportedly launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on 21 November 2024. This marks the first alleged use of such a weapon in the war, targeting critical infrastructure and resulting in substantial damage and casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, asserting that Russia is using Ukraine as a testing ground for new weaponry. He described the missile as a "new type of weapon," highlighting the unprecedented nature of the strike.
In response, Western nations have expressed deep concern over the escalation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions as "reckless," emphasizing the severity of deploying nuclear-capable missiles in the conflict. The European Union also condemned the attack, labelling it a serious escalation and reiterating its support for Ukraine.
The United States, while acknowledging the reports, has urged caution. A Western official suggested that the weapon used may have been a shorter-range ballistic missile, rather than an ICBM, indicating the need for further verification.
Amid these developments, Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine's former military commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the UK, stated that the direct involvement of Russia's autocratic allies, such as North Korea, signifies that World War III has effectively begun. He urged Western nations to recognize the global implications of the conflict and to respond accordingly.
The situation remains highly volatile, with international leaders calling for restraint to prevent further escalation. The use of advanced missile technology in the conflict underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the growing tensions.
Image: Larry Koester/Kremlin
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