Russia launches first intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine, Kyiv says

Russian forces launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine on Thursday morning, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.

The missile was reportedly launched from Russia’s southern Astrakhan region. Ukraine’s military did not provide further details.

The Guardian notes that if the report is verified, it would mark the first time an ICBM has been used during the war.

ICBMs have a minimum range of 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles), with some capable of traveling over 9,000 kilometers (about 5,600 miles).

In its morning report on Thursday, Ukraine’s Air Force said that Ukrainian air defenses had shot down six Kh-101 cruise missiles launched by Russian forces. It did not mention the impact of the reported ICBM. 

An unnamed Western official, disputing the reports, told ABC News that the attack was unlikely to have been carried out using an ICBM.