– We can confirm that Russia has launched an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) against Ukraine. It was a missile based on the RS-26 Rubesi intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) design, Sabrina Singh said at a press conference on Thursday.
He added that the United States was notified by Russia through nuclear risk mitigation channels shortly before the missile launch, but declined to say when this happened. At the same time, the US government confirmed that it had informed Ukraine and its allies of an expected attack using experimental IRBM missiles.
Sabrina Singh said the missile was “experimental” because it was the first time it had been used on a battlefield.
Russia has launched a new missile. This is “Oleshnik”
When asked about Ukraine's different assessments of the type of missile, which said the missile fired at the Dnieper had an intercontinental range (ICBM), Singh said Kiev had only made a preliminary assessment. He said that ICBMs and IRBMs have many things in common. The main difference is their range. She added that it can carry both nuclear and conventional payloads.
According to the Russian government, the new missile is called “Oreshnik” and, as President Vladimir Putin has said, “there is currently no way to counter such a weapon.” Russian leaders say they will attack at speeds of Mach 10, or 2 to 3 kilometers per second.
See also: Ukrainian Air Force: Russia used intercontinental missiles
The spokesperson also referred to President Putin's statement that Russia has the right to attack “military facilities of countries that permit the use of weapons against Russian facilities.” He assessed that while the United States takes these threats seriously, it is not the first time similar statements have been made by a Russian leader and will not stop the United States from further aiding Ukraine.
What about ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles?
Commenting on President Putin's statement that the war is already global, Shin said it was Russia that decided to escalate the conflict by involving North Korean soldiers, and warned that the United States would counter this move. He recalled doing so. At the same time, she refused to confirm that the US government had authorized the use of ATACMS missiles for attacks on Russian territory. He also stressed that the United States is not seeking war with Russia.
See also: US promised Ukraine ATACMS missiles nearing expiration
Shin also said he could not confirm Thursday's Wall Street Journal report that a North Korean general was wounded in an attack on Ukraine using British Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia. However, she added that the Pentagon still estimates the number of troops from Pyongyang to be 11,000. Although they are soldiers and their direct participation in the fighting has not been confirmed, they are legitimate targets for Ukrainians.
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