Russia launches experimental ballistic missile in attack on Ukraine

The United States believes Russia launched an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) during an attack on Ukraine. This missile is based on the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile design and can potentially carry nuclear warheads. The missile, named "Oreshnik" by Russia, was fired at a military facility in Dnipro. This marks the first battlefield use of this experimental missile, which has a range sufficient to reach Europe but not the U.S. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the launch was a response to recent Ukrainian strikes using Western weapons. He also criticized U.S. missile deployment plans in Europe, claiming they prompted Russia to develop new missile systems.