The United States said that Russia used an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile rather than an intercontinental missile. According to the US side, Russia has only a few such missiles.
Russia's strike on Ukraine was not an intercontinental ballistic missile, but an “experimental” intermediate-range ballistic missile, a US official said on Thursday, according to AFP, UNN reports .
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“Russia may try to use this opportunity to try to intimidate Ukraine and its supporters… but it will not change the situation in this conflict,” the US representative said.
A US official said that the missile used in the strike was not an ICBM, but an “experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile” and that Russia “probably has only a few of these experimental missiles.
A U.S. official also told Reuters that Russia launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile, not an ICBM, at Ukraine, citing initial indications.
“Ukraine has withstood countless attacks from Russia, including missiles with warheads much larger than this weapon,” a US official told AFP.
According to the official, in recent days the United States has been informing Ukraine and its allies about Russia's possible use of these weapons.
The US official also recalled that US President Joe Biden announced plans earlier this year to provide Ukraine with hundreds of Patriot and AMRAAM missiles to strengthen its air defense.
“The United States will continue to provide security assistance to Ukraine to strengthen its capabilities, including air defense, and put Ukraine in the best possible position on the battlefield,” the official said.
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The Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedthat Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile and eight other missiles, and shot down six X-101s.
A Western official told ABC News that the West does not confirm the use of an intercontinental ballistic missile by the Russian army against Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy statedthat today Russia used a new Russian missile against Ukraine. All the characteristics – speed, altitude – of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Expert examinations are underway.