Russia reportedly fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) against Ukraine, a move that, if confirmed, would mark a major escalation in the conflict started by Moscow in February 2022.
The claim was made by Kyiv, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky saying: “Today there was a new Russian missile. All the characteristics – speed, altitude – are (of an) intercontinental ballistic (missile). An expert (investigation) is currently underway.”
The reported launch raised concerns among many, with the spokesman of Sir Keir Starmer saying on Thursday: “As you will understand it is a rapidly developing situation and I don’t want to get ahead of our intelligence services who are looking at these reports urgently, but if true, clearly this would be another example of grave, reckless and escalatory behaviour from Russia and only serves to strengthen our resolve.”
The reported launch also sparked questions about the weapon’s nature and purpose.
An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a long-range projectile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads over vast distances.
It operates in three distinct phases:
1. Boost Phase:
- The missile is propelled by rockets and ascends into the atmosphere.
- This phase lasts three to five minutes, depending on the missile type.
2. Midcourse Phase:
- The missile enters unpowered flight, traveling along its highest trajectory before descending.
- For ICBMs, this phase can last about 20 minutes, during which the missile can reach speeds of up to 15,000 mph.
3. Terminal Phase:
- The warhead reenters the Earth’s atmosphere and descends toward its target.
- This phase lasts under a minute, with warheads reaching speeds over 1,988 mph.
Unlike cruise missiles, which are jet-propelled and fly low to avoid detection, ballistic missiles follow a high-arcing trajectory and rely on gravity for their descent toward the target.
ICBMs have ranges exceeding 3,410 miles, with the capability to strike targets anywhere in the world.
ICBMs are among the most destructive weapons due to their range, payload capacity, and speed.
They can carry Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs), which allow one missile to deploy several warheads, each aimed at different targets.
The reported Russian missile, the RS-26 Rubezh, has a range of up to 3,728 miles and can carry four warheads with a combined payload of 1.2 megatons—enough to devastate a large area.
Even if not armed with nuclear warheads, ICBM tests or launches create significant geopolitical tension due to their association with nuclear capabilities.
Ukrainian media suggested that Russia either tested or launched an RS-26 Rubezh missile, a medium-range ICBM.
It typically carries nuclear payloads, but reports suggest it may have been fitted with a “weight simulator” instead of an actual warhead.
Defence expert Fabian Hoffmann noted that the launch had “virtually no military value,” as the missile likely lacked a warhead.
Footage of then strike reportedly showed multiple projectiles hitting the ground without the large explosions expected from conventional payloads.
The use of an ICBM—even as a test—within a conflict zone is highly unusual and provocative as it plays the symbolic role of demonstrating technological prowess and intimidating adversaries.
