Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine in an early morning barrage targeting critical infrastructure in the city of Dnipro, officials in Kyiv said Thursday.
The attack marks the first instance of Moscow using an ICBM in its ongoing war against its smaller neighbor. Ukrainian Air Force officials said the missile was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan oblast, about 460 miles from Dnipro in central Ukraine.
Russia also launched a Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal” ballistic missile using a MiG-31K fighter and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles from a Tu-95MS strategic bomber, officials said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there was no doubt that Russia used an ICBM in its latest attack.
“All the parameters: speed, altitude, match those of an intercontinental ballistic missile. All expert evaluations are underway,” he said Thursday on his Telegram social messaging page. Russian President Vladimir “Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground. Obviously, Putin is terrified when normal life simply exists next to him.”
Ukrainian officials said the early-morning missile attack damaged an industrial area, a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, two homes and nine garages, according to the Kyiv Independent newspaper.
SEE ALSO: Mass drone production, combat experience seen boosting North Korean troops
The attack happened on Ukraine’s Day of Dignity and Freedom, which commemorates the national protests that ended the country’s previous pro-Russian governments.
“Putin is doing whatever it takes to prevent his neighbor from breaking free of his grasp. And I thank all Ukrainians who are defending Ukraine from this evil — unwaveringly, bravely, firmly, (and) with dignity,” Mr. Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president posted on X, “Today, our insane neighbor has once again revealed its true nature — its disdain for dignity, freedom, and human life itself. And, most of all, its fear. Fear so overwhelming that it unleashes missile after missile, scouring the globe for more weapons — whether from Iran or North Korea. Today, it was a new Russian missile. Its speed and altitude suggest intercontinental ballistic capabilities. Investigations are ongoing.”
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.