The consequences of Joe Biden’s escalation of the war in Ukraine are already becoming evident on both regional and global scales.
Early Thursday morning, Russia launched a significant attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, targeting enterprises and critical infrastructure, Ukraine’s air force confirmed. The assault represents an escalation in the 33-month-long conflict stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
What raised eyebrows, however, was the kind of weapons deployed. A key component of the attack was the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Russia’s Astrakhan region. While the type of ICBM and its specific target remain unclear, its use marks a concerning development. ICBMs, typically associated with nuclear warhead delivery, can also carry conventional payloads and travel vast distances, further intensifying the stakes in the conflict.
New video shows Russian ICBM strike against Dnipro this morning.
It’s the first time in human history that an ICBM has been used in a war.
Incredible footage pic.twitter.com/2xRLjqxGnj
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 21, 2024
It would be the first time in history that those kinds of weapons have been deployed in a military conflict.
Ukrainian air defenses played a pivotal role during the attack, intercepting six Kh-101 cruise missiles. These missiles, frequently employed by Russian forces, are designed for long-range strikes against critical infrastructure and military targets. The interception prevented additional damage, showcasing the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense systems amidst growing threats, according to reports.
This assault highlights the escalating intensity of the war, much of which has been driven by Biden. Early in the week, the president approved the use of American long-range missiles and anti-personnel mines by the Ukrainians.
Advocacy groups, including Amnesty International and the Center for Civilians in Conflict, have condemned the decision, describing it as a stark departure from Biden’s earlier commitments to limit the use of such weapons.
“Anti-personnel landmines are indiscriminate weapons that kill and maim civilians, and especially children, for generations after wars end,” said Hichem Khadhraoui, executive director of the Center for Civilians in Conflict advocacy group, told Politico. “These weapons cannot distinguish between civilians and combatants as required by international humanitarian law.”
Seeds for WW3