Insane footage shows moment Russian ICBM slams into Ukraine in horror escalation

Shocking footage has emerged showing what is believed to be the first use of an intercontinential ballistic missile (ICBM) in warfare by Russia.

Missiles were reportedly fired from Kapustin Yar test range in the Astrakhan region, hitting the Yuzhmash defence plant in Dnipro.

The dramatic video shows flashes lighting up the sky - believed to be six separate warheads of a R-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile.

Until now, the R-26 Rubezh had never been used since its conception in 2011. It was designed to carry nuclear weapons but is now seen as an outdated piece of equipment.

Though this was a conventional attack, it may have paved the way for a pontential nuclear strike by Vladimir Putin's forces.

Astonishing footage shows what is suspected to be the first use by Russia of an IBCM (Image: EAST2WEST)

The suspected attack on the Yuzhmash defence plant is believed to be payback for Ukraine's first ever use of British-French-made Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory.

Serhiy Lysak, the head of the Ukrainian region’s military administration said on Thrursday that Russia was "massively attacking" the region of Dnipropetrovsk after Ukraine's Wednesday Storm Shadow attack.

Houses and a rehab centre for people with disabilities were damaged, injuring two people but not killing anyone, Lysak said on Telegram.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was ordered midway through a press briefing not to comment on the suspected ICBM strike.

She said: "We do not comment on the use of ICBMs. It is not time yet", before a senior diplomat stepped in. He was heard saying: "Ballistic missile strikes on Yuzhmash ... The Westerners are talking about it now. Don't comment at all."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was asked to confirm the use of ICBMs, and replied that he "had nothing to say on this topic".

A Western official said the missile used in the attack on Dnipro was not an ICBM but a standard ballistic missile.