On the morning of November 21, Russian forces reportedly deployed the RS-26 “Rubezh” intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in combat for the first time, targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
This was reported by Ukrainska Pravda.
The missile was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region, and is said to have traveled approximately 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) in under five minutes.
The RS-26 “Rubezh,” classified as a medium-range ballistic missile, is primarily designed to deliver nuclear payloads.
Although reports in 2018 suggested it had been excluded from Russia's 2027 armament program, recent Kremlin statements in July 2024 hinted at the resumption of medium- and intermediate-range missile production, including the RS-26.
Developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology and manufactured by the Votkinsk Plant—known for producing “Iskander” ballistic missiles—the RS-26 has an estimated range of up to 6,000 kilometers and a launch weight of 40-50 tons.
This unprecedented use of the RS-26 underscores an escalation in the conflict and raises questions about the missile's future role in Russia’s military strategy.
