What we know about the 'experimental' ballistic missile Russia fired at Ukraine

NEWS WIRES

21 November 2024 at 5:31 am·1-min read

File photo: A Russian Topol-M ICBM drives accross Red Square during a Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9, 2008.

Ukraine's air force said on Thursday that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which are designed to deliver nuclear warheads, at targets in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. But US officials said they believed the strike was carried out using an "experimental" medium-range ballistic missile. Here's what we know so far.

Russia on Thursday fired an innovative missile at Ukraine in a clear warning of its capabilities as tensions surge, officials from Western governments said, even as they pushed back against Ukrainian claims of an even more widescale action by Moscow.

Ukraine said on Thursday Russia had launched against its territory an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed to carry nuclear warheads.

But while warning that such a step would mark a major escalation, Ukraine's European allies did not confirm Kyiv's initial assessments that such a weapon had been fired.

A US official, who asked not to be named, said Russia's strike on Ukraine was not an ICBM, but an "experimental" medium-range ballistic missile.

Analysts and now the United States have pushed back on the initial claims from Kyiv that Moscow had launched the nuclear-capable ICBM as part of a barrage towards the central city of Dnipro.

While not naming the missile used or giving technical specifications, the US official said Russia "likely possesses only a handful of these experimental missiles."

(AFP)

Australian Associated Press
Coroner calls for urgent closure of troubled youth jail
The coroner hearing an inquest for an Indigenous teen who fatally self-harmed in a youth detention centre has provisionally recommended the facility close.
Australian Associated Press
Sutherland century lifts Australia against India in ODI
Annabel Sutherland's love affair with the WACA has continued with the 23-year-old cracking a sparkling century in Australia's ODI clash against India.
Australian Associated Press
PM lashes anti-Semitic attacks as evil and disgraceful
Anthony Albanese has delivered an impassioned call for Australians to unite around common values and respect after two attacks on Jewish communities.
Australian Associated Press
Brown, Sakakibara take out coveted cycling gong
Grace Brown and Saya Sakakibara have been crowned joint winners of AusCycling's coveted Oppy Medal for 2024.
Australian Associated Press
Jewish community reels after 'cowardly' graffiti attack
Australia has been diminished as a nation by graffiti and a car fire the prime minister says was aimed at delivering fear to the Jewish community.
Australian Associated Press
Demons' Harris in limbo after AFLW trade falls through
Hawthorn and Melbourne couldn't reach an AFLW trade agreement on Tayla Harris, who faces a decision on whether to stay with the Demons or head into the draft.
Australian Associated Press
Leader's office raided in probe of S.Korea martial law
A police raid on the office of South Korea's president marks a dramatic escalation of the probe into his martial law decree that plunged the nation into crisis.
Australian Associated Press
Mining giants sued over alleged sexual harassment
Hundreds of women who worked at BHP and Rio Tinto will be contacted as part of a lawsuit over alleged harassment at mining sites.
Australian Associated Press
New Eagle Graham grateful for his time at Tigerland
New West Coast recruit Jack Graham hopes he can play a key role in the club's midfield under new coach Andrew McQualter.
Australian Associated Press
Speeding P-plater 'zoned out' before fatal crash
A speeding P-plater, who killed one pedestrian and badly injured another, denied he was thrill-seeking at the time and says he just "zoned out".
Australian Associated Press
Pre-Christmas Test gives Gabba life and spice of old
Australia and India are set to be greeted with a traditional Gabba wicket for the third Test, crucial given the hosts are a different side there pre-Christmas.
Australian Associated Press
Thunder, Bucks book NBA Cup semi-final spots
Oklahoma City and Milwaukee are the first teams to reach the final four of the NBA Cup, scoring hard-fought home wins over Orlando and Dallas.
Australian Associated Press
Bougainville open for investment and trade: president
A resource-rich Bougainville could play an important part in the global transition to green energy, its president says as he invites international investment.
Australian Associated Press
Top cop laments DV scourge after 'very violent murder'
A woman meant to be protected by a restraining order has been brutally murdered in her home as domestic violence issues keep top brass awake at night.
Australian Associated Press
Fake paramedic convicted as warning to others
A man who falsely passed himself off as a paramedic at several motocross events, including two where children were injured, has been convicted but not jailed.
Australian Associated Press
Isaah Yeo wins rugby league's Golden Boot award
Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo has been crowned international rugby league's player of the year, capping another stellar season for the lock forward.
Australian Associated Press
AI used to target election fraud and criminal deepfakes
Government agencies are teaming up with Microsoft to track disinformation and criminal acts, with plans to use AI to detect attempts to interfere in elections.
Australian Associated Press
St Kilda look to young talent for AFL ladder lift
Veteran Brad Hill says he's impressed by top 10 draft pick Tobie Travaglia as St Kilda look to their young guns to climb the AFL ladder.
Australian Associated Press
Humanity lost in dealing with prisoners, inquest told
Corrections staff have lost sight of humanity when dealing with prisoners, their boss has told an inquest into an Indigenous man's death in custody.
Australian Associated Press
Murderer smiles as family's grief laid bare in court
Convicted wife-killer Dinush Kurera lent back and smiled as victim statements, including from his children, were read in court during a pre-sentence hearing.

Latest stories