On November 21, Russia launched an attack on the Dnieper River using several types of missiles, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The chief editor of Defense Express, Oleg Katkov, in an interview with Radio NV, expressed the opinion that such a launch may indicate a rehearsal for a nuclear strike against Ukraine.
Katkov drew attention to the message about the launch of a rocket from the Astrakhan region, where the Kapustin Yar test site is located. He suggested that we could be talking about a test launch of the RS-26 Rubezh medium-range missile, which has the characteristics of an ICBM. The expert stressed that these missiles are usually designed to carry nuclear warheads.
He noted that if information about the launch in Ukraine is confirmed, this could be an extremely alarming sign indicating an increase in the stakes in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
According to Katkov, there is a possibility that the launch was misinterpreted. It is possible that the missile was not aimed at the territory of Ukraine, but at the Kura test range in Kamchatka, where Russia traditionally tests its ballistic missiles. However, if the missile actually flew towards Ukraine, this could be considered a preparation for a nuclear attack.
The expert also recalled that Russia has repeatedly violated the Treaty on Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF Treaty). According to him, similar missiles, including Rubezh, Topol-M and Yars, can be used for medium-range attacks. He added that the development of a high-explosive fragmentation warhead for such missiles is technically complex and economically unfeasible, which is why they are designed primarily for nuclear destruction.
Katkov noted that the RS-26 Rubezh is an improved version of previous missile systems such as the RSD-10 Pioneer. This missile is equipped with a warhead dispersal system known as a “bus,” which allows multiple nuclear warheads to be launched at different targets. Replacing this system with a conventional warhead would require significant effort, making such a scenario unlikely.
The expert concluded that Russia continues to demonstrate its ability to use nuclear weapons, even using conventional missiles to intimidate. This behavior, in his opinion, indicates Moscow’s desire to increase pressure on Ukraine and its allies.
Previously, Kursor wrote that a video had emerged of an intercontinental missile attack by the Russian Armed Forces against Ukraine.
The Russian Armed Forces launched an attack with intercontinental ballistic missiles against the city of Dnepr this morning.
