The shocking video now circulating online reportedly shows the moment ballistic warheads explode above Ukraine after being launched from a Russian test range in Kapustin Yar
Footage captures Russia’s first use of a ballistic missile in Dnipro
Astonishing footage has captured what may be the first ever use of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The war-torn nation has claimed that Russian forces fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an early morning volley that included multiple munitions targeting the Yuzhmash defence plant in Dnipro. Officials said the raid was largely thwarted by Ukrainian air defences, and that they had not received reports of deaths or injuries.
The report suggesting an ICBM – missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear payloads to targets around the world – are yet to be confirmed, with some experts saying it’s “unlikely”. But alarming new footage appears to show the moment warheads from one missile detonated over Ukraine after they were launched from the Kapustin Yar test range in Russia’s Astrakhan region.
Posting the footage online, a social media user claimed that the flashes seen on the video are six separate warheads of a R-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. The outdated R-26 Rubezh had never – until now – been used on the battlefield in Ukraine. It was designed to carry a deadly nuclear payload but, if used here, this was a conventional attack.
If the use of the Rubezh is confirmed, it will be the first combat use of an ICBM in history, and could pave the way for a later nuclear attack, as threatened by the Putin regime. The giant attack on Dnipro was part of a savage response to Wednesday’s suspected first use by Ukrainian forces of Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russian territory.
In a bizarre moment, the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was ordered midway through a press briefing not to comment on the suspected ICBM strike. She is seen taking a call on the mobile. She said: “We do not comment on the use of ICBMs. It is not time yet.”
But the call overheard as a senior diplomat talking to her ordered a cover-up. She said: “Yes. Hello. I am having a briefing.” A Man’s voice calling her said: “Masha [Maria], ballistic missile strikes on Yuzhmash [defence plant in Dnipro]. The Westerners are talking about it now. Don’t comment at all.”