The Daily Populous Friday November 22nd, 2024 morning edition
Authored by kyivindependent.com and submitted by BothZookeepergame612

This audio is created with AI assistance

Editor's note: The article was updated with the English translation of President Zelensky's statement, which was published on his official X account.

Russia's apparent deployment of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) against Dnipro on Nov. 21 shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is using Ukraine as a testing ground," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"Today (on Nov. 21), it was a new Russian missile. Its speed and altitude suggest intercontinental ballistic capabilities. Investigations are ongoing," Zelensky said in a statement on social media.

Russian forces launched the conventional ICBM, along with seven cruise missiles and a Kinzhal ballistic missile, against the central-eastern city of Dnipro on the morning of Nov. 21, the Air Force reported earlier.

At least two people were injured, and several buildings, including a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, were damaged. The Air Force reported downing six of the cruise missiles.

This would mark the first occasion of Russia deploying an ICBM in the war against Ukraine, coming shortly after the U.S. permitted Ukraine to carry out strikes in Russia with Western long-range missiles and Russia updated its nuclear deterrence policy.

It remains unclear what type of ICBM was launched. The missile was launched from Astrakhan Oblast in southern Russia, over 700 kilometers (435 miles) east of Dnipro.

"It's clear that Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground. It’s also clear that he is terrified of normal life next to him. A life where people live with dignity," Zelensky said on the occasion of Ukraine's Day of Dignity and Freedom, commemorating the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the EuroMaidan Revolution in 2013-14.

Ukraine's head of state reminded that Moscow seeks to obtain new missiles around the world, namely from North Korea and Iran.

"Putin will do anything to keep his neighbor from slipping out of his grasp. And I thank every Ukrainian—men and women alike—who defend Ukraine from this evil with resilience, bravery, and strength," Zelensky said.

flashback5285 on November 21st, 2024 at 17:03 UTC »

We need to stamp these bastards out but not get dragged into winter.

lithuanian_potatfan on November 21st, 2024 at 17:02 UTC »

And russia is testing Western response. Push more and more boundaries until they get certain enough that even dropping a nuke won't get them anything but a stern look and "deep concern". We are all allowing this to escalate way beyond what it should've been. And we'll be the ones getting f-ed all over in the end

DenseContribution140 on November 21st, 2024 at 16:45 UTC »

Russia's reported use of an ICBM against Ukraine is not just a dangerous escalation it’s a blatant reminder of Putin’s disregard for international norms and human lives. Using Ukraine as a 'testing ground' for advanced weaponry highlights the existential threat his regime poses, not just to Ukraine but to global stability.

On Ukraine’s Day of Dignity and Freedom, this attack underscores the very values Ukrainians are fighting to defend: dignity, sovereignty, and democracy. While Russia scrambles for support from rogue states, Ukraine continues to inspire the world with its resilience and courage.

Now more than ever, we need to stand with Ukraine whether through military aid, humanitarian assistance, or amplifying their voices on the global stage.

Slava Ukraini! 🌻