Russia’s air assault on Ukraine has escalated as it last night used intercontinental and hypersonic missiles alongside its barrage of cruise missile attacks, triggering air raid alarms across the country.
According to Ukrainian reports, an intercontinental missile was launched overnight toward Dnipro, marking the first time in the war that such a weapon has been used against another nation. The Ukrainian Air Force noted the missile originated from the Astrakhan region in Russia, though its exact type remains unknown.
In the early hours, Ukraine faced fresh threats as a hypersonic Kinzhal missile, fired from a MiG-31 fighter jet, struck the Dnipropetrovsk region. Shortly after, Ukrainian air defenses warned of incoming Ch-101 cruise missiles, stealth weapons launched by Tu-95 bombers from Russia’s Saratov region. These missiles entered Ukrainian airspace, heading toward Kyiv and Poltava.
Amid Russia’s intensifying attacks, Ukraine hit back with Western long-range weaponry. On Wednesday, British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles were reportedly used against targets in Russia’s Kursk region, with up to 12 missiles fired. Videos shared on the Telegram channel “Two Majors” showed housing parts marked “Storm Shadow” and captured sounds of at least 14 explosions. Tuesday also saw Ukraine deploy U.S.-provided missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time.
Moscow has condemned Ukraine’s use of long-range Western weapons as a provocation. Russian officials view these attacks as an escalation, warning of changes to their nuclear doctrine in response. Meanwhile, Ukraine argues that such weapons are essential to counter Russia’s aggression. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized the need for advanced Western arms to influence the war’s outcome.
What Are Storm Shadow Missiles?
Storm Shadow missiles, developed by Britain and identical to France’s Scalp rockets, are airborne precision weapons with a range exceeding 250 kilometers. Designed for striking bunkers and critical infrastructure, they represent a significant upgrade in Ukraine’s military capabilities. These weapons arrive as the U.S. accuses Russia of employing North Korean soldiers, further inflaming tensions between Moscow and Western powers.
As both sides ramp up their offensive capabilities, the conflict appears to be entering an even more perilous phase.
