Russia executed a launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile from its southern Astrakhan region during a morning offensive against Ukraine on Thursday, as reported by Kyiv’s air force. This marks the first instance of Russia deploying such a formidable, long-range missile in the ongoing conflict.

The missile strike follows Ukraine’s recent use of U.S. and British missiles to target locations within Russia, an action that Moscow had previously indicated would be regarded as a significant escalation.

The Russian assault aimed at businesses and critical infrastructure in the central-eastern city of Dnipro, according to the air force, amid increasing tensions in the 33-month-long war initiated by Russia in Ukraine.

The statement did not clarify the specific targets of the intercontinental ballistic missile or whether any damage resulted from the strike.

These missiles possess a range of thousands of kilometers and are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, although they can also be equipped with conventional warheads.

Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted six Kh-101 cruise missiles during the assault.

“In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation,” the air force noted, providing details on the types of weapons employed in the attack.

However, it did not specify the exact type of intercontinental ballistic missile that was launched.