Russia has launched a significant missile attack against Ukraine, but contrary to reports, it was not hypersonic.
The missile strike followed Western approval for Ukraine to use advanced long-range missiles and was acknowledged as an act of retaliation by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Fox News reports.
The missile, described as an "experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile" (IRBM), was confirmed by United States officials to lack hypersonic capabilities. Russian President Putin stated the launch was a response to the recent changes in NATO nations' military support for Ukraine, specifically the authorization for Ukraine to deploy Western-supplied weapons against Russian forces.
Two United States officials, speaking to Fox News, confirmed the nature of the missile used, emphasizing that it was not an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and dispelling speculations about it being hypersonic. The United States was informed of the missile launch through established nuclear or risk reduction communication channels.
This missile's use marks the first time Russia has deployed this type of weapon in combat. Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon press secretary, confirmed this, noting the concerning implications of introducing a new type of lethal capability on the battlefield. Interestingly, there has been no indication that Russia altered its nuclear posture following the missile strike, nor has the United States made any changes in response.
President Putin claimed that the IRBM traveled at speeds equivalent to Mach 10, asserting in a national address that such velocities render existing air defenses ineffective. He emphasized the missile's potential to overcome missile defense systems developed in Europe by the United States.
Despite these assertions, U.S. defense experts have reiterated that the missile does not meet the criteria to be classified as hypersonic. Such a claim underscores ongoing tensions and the respective military posturing of the involved nations. In his address, Putin referenced the recent decision by NATO countries to supply Ukraine with long-range tactical missile systems as a catalyst for Russia's missile deployment.
The missile strike reportedly aimed at military sites within Dnipro, a city in Ukraine. However, images released by Ukrainian defense officials suggested that civilians might also have been affected, with infrastructure damage evident in populated areas.
In a reciprocal action, Ukraine utilized U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to target Bryansk in Russia. This exchange follows the U.S. and U.K.'s revision of military aid policies to Ukraine, leading to an escalation in the conflict.
President Putin mentioned the operational testing of the "Oreshnik missile systems in combat conditions," framing it as a necessary defensive measure in light of "aggressive actions" by NATO countries. He suggested Russia’s future missile deployments would depend on further actions by the United States and its allies.
This use of an IRBM by Russia has raised international concerns. The employment of a new missile type in combat, especially amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, draws scrutiny over potential shifts in future military engagements.
Singh expressed the Pentagon's apprehension regarding this novel military capability, acknowledging its implications for battlefield dynamics and broader geopolitical stability. The situation emphasizes the importance of international dialogues to mitigate the risks inherent in such military escalations.
Overall, while the missile strike possesses significant military and strategic implications, the absence of a hypersonic designation offers some respite from the heightened alarm such an advancement might provoke. The continuation of diplomatic channels remains crucial as global powers navigate this latest development in the protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
