On November 21, Russia fired a new type of missile into Ukraine . At first, the Ukrainians claimed it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Then Russia claimed it was a new ' hypersonic ' missile , while the Americans have said it was an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).
Apparently, the missile was in retaliation for Ukraine receiving permission to launch Anglo-French Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles and American Army ATACMS missiles into Russia. ATACMS missiles have previously used to great effect destroying Russian S-400s and S-300s in occupied Ukrainian territory . ICBM & IRBMs are both reserved for nuclear use US officials were quick to counter Ukraine's claims that it was an ICBM and have said it was an IRBM.
The debate on whether the missile was an ICBM or an IRBM is somewhat mute as both are used to carry nuclear weapons, and both should not be used in conventional combat (for fear of nuclear escalation). Both have the range to deliver nuclear missiles to European capitals. “There’s debate as to the nature of the missile (ICBM or IRBM), but the political objective is, in my opinion, much clearer.
The use of a weapon with Multiple Independent Re-entry vehicle (MIRV) capabilities, usually reserved for weapons with nuclear payloads, is aimed at generating debates over Russia’s potential use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine.” - GlobalData defense analyst Tristan Sauer The use of the missile is important as ICBMs (and IRBMs) are only used to .
