A U.S. official confirmed to Digital on Thursday that the U.S. had forewarned Ukraine about a potential “experimental intermediate-range ballistic” missile attack to aid in preparations.
Putin confirmed the attack Thursday evening in a national address, stating it was a direct response to the U.S. and U.K.’s approval of Ukraine using Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russia.
The casualty count remains unknown. Initially believed to be an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), a first-time wartime use of such a weapon, causing global panic, it was later confirmed by Putin and U.S. sources not to be an ICBM. However, Putin asserted the weapon used presents a significant challenge to Western nations.
“The missiles attack targets at Mach 10, or 2.5 miles per second,” Putin stated. “Current global air and missile defense systems, including those developed by the Americans in Europe, cannot intercept these missiles.”
Digital could not independently verify whether the U.S. or its NATO allies possess defenses against this new missile, known as the Oreshnik.
However, a U.S. official indicated the attack aimed to intimidate the West and Ukraine.
“While we take all threats seriously, it’s important to remember: Russia likely has only a few of these experimental missiles,” the official told Digital. “Ukraine has endured countless attacks from Russia, including missiles with far larger warheads.”
“Russia may be trying to intimidate Ukraine and its supporters, or gain attention, but it won’t be a game-changer,” the official added.
Following President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against Russia, Kyiv launched strikes against a Russian military arsenal in Bryansk, over 70 miles from the Ukrainian border.
Although Ukrainian forces fired the missiles, the system relies on U.S. satellites for targeting – a point Putin raised in his speech.
“We’re testing Oreshnik in combat, responding to NATO’s aggression. Further deployment of intermediate and shorter-range missiles will depend on U.S. and satellite actions,” he said.
Putin claimed Russia would warn Ukrainian citizens before attacks like Thursday’s, but it’s unclear if Dnipro residents received a warning.
Putin stated a “defense industry” was the target, but Ukrainian defense ministry images suggest civilian infrastructure was also affected.
The Pentagon was aware of the impending attack, corroborating information obtained by Digital; however, it’s unclear if Moscow specified the intended Ukrainian target.
A U.S. official told Digital the U.S. is committed to bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses, having already supplied hundreds of Patriot and Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles.