After Ukraine claimed that Russia had used an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in a recent attack, Moscow clarified that it was instead an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). The strike targeted the city of Dnipro as tensions in the 33-month-long conflict continue to rise.
In a televised statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed using a new missile system, the "Oreshnik," which he described as carrying hypersonic equipment. "Russia reserves the right to use weapons against military targets in countries permitting strikes on Russian soil," Putin said.
He added that the launch was in response to Ukraine's use of Western-made long-range weapons against Russian territory.
Kyiv initially identified the missile as an ICBM based on its speed and trajectory.
"Today, there was a new Russian missile. All the characteristics—speed, altitude—are [of an] intercontinental ballistic missile," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, calling for an international response.
U.S. officials disputed Ukraine's claims, identifying the missile as a medium-range IRBM with hypersonic capabilities. The Pentagon said it was an RS-26 "Rubezh" road-mobile ballistic missile with an MIRV payload carrying six conventional warheads.
Putin confirmed it was non-nuclear, stating, "In response to the use of American and British long-range weaponry, on 21 November this year, the Russian armed forces carried out a combined strike on one of Ukraine's military-industrial complex sites."
Hypersonic Missiles vs. ICBMs: Key Differences
Both hypersonic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) represent cutting-edge military technology, but they are designed for different purposes and operate using distinct mechanisms.
Hypersonic missiles are known for their exceptional speed, traveling at over Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) and their ability to maneuver mid-flight, which makes them incredibly difficult to detect and intercept. ICBMs achieve similar speeds but follow a high-arching ballistic trajectory, with limited maneuverability during their descent.
When it comes to payload, ICBMs are primarily used to deliver nuclear warheads over vast intercontinental distances. Many are equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing a single missile to strike several targets simultaneously. Hypersonic missiles, on the other hand, are often deployed for precision strikes on critical targets and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.
Experts point to range as a key differentiator in recent tests. ICBMs are designed for global reach, with ranges exceeding 5,500 kilometers (about 3,418 miles). In contrast, IRBMs, like the one tested by Russia, have a shorter range of 1,800 to 5,500 kilometers (about 1,118 to 3,418 miles), which confines their use to regional targets.
The Broader Context
The missile launch follows Ukraine's recent use of United States-supplied ATACMS and United Kingdom-provided Storm Shadow missiles against targets inside Russia. Earlier this week, the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied, longer-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia, a move that drew an angry response from Moscow.
Days later, Ukraine fired several of the missiles into Russia, according to the Kremlin. The same day, Putin signed a new doctrine that allows for a potential nuclear response even to a conventional attack on Russia by any nation that is supported by a nuclear power.
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