The Pentagon has confirmed that Russia informed the United States ahead of an experimental launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) targeting Ukraine. The notification was issued via established Nuclear Risk Reduction channels, according to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.
“The United States was pre-notified briefly before the launch,” Singh said during a press briefing.
The missile, based on Russia’s RS-26 “Rubezh” intercontinental ballistic missile model, reportedly targeted the Pivdenmash aerospace plant in Dnipro, a central-eastern Ukrainian city. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that the strike was carried out using a new hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile.
The missile launch follows a series of recent escalations, including Putin’s move earlier this week to update Moscow’s nuclear doctrine. While details of the revised doctrine remain sparse, it signals heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The strike coincides with reports that the Biden administration has authorized Ukraine to use long-range U.S. missiles to target deeper into Russian territory. While these reports have not been officially confirmed, they suggest a significant shift in military aid strategy.
When asked about Putin’s remarks that Russia could retaliate against countries supporting Ukraine with missile capabilities, Singh downplayed the threat, stating there were no indications of a shift in Russia’s nuclear stance.
“We haven’t observed any adjustments in their nuclear posture, and we haven’t adjusted our nuclear posture in response,” Singh said. “Our focus remains on continuing to support Ukraine with what it needs.”
The Pentagon’s reassurances come amid growing global concern about the potential for further escalation in the conflict, particularly with the introduction of hypersonic missile technology. Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are harder to detect and intercept, making their deployment a significant development in modern warfare.
The Pivdenmash plant in Dnipro, the reported target of the missile strike, has long been a significant player in Ukraine’s aerospace and defense industries. The facility has been involved in producing rockets and other space-related technology. Its destruction would mark a critical blow to Ukraine’s military and industrial capabilities.
The situation underscores the volatile nature of the conflict, with both sides increasingly turning to advanced weaponry. As the war persists, international observers continue to warn of the risks associated with escalating military measures and their broader implications for global security.
