**Ukraine Examines Debris from New Russian Ballistic Missile Strike on Dnipro**

Ukrainian investigators are currently analyzing the debris of a new Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that struck the city of Dnipro on Thursday. This marked the first reported use of such a weapon in the ongoing conflict. On Sunday, Ukraine's Security Service displayed the missile fragments, dubbed Oreshnik—Russian for Hazel Tree—to The Associated Press, revealing a glimpse into the new threat.

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the missile launch during a Thursday evening address, stating that it was a direct reaction to the U.S. and U.K. approving Ukraine's use of Western-provided long-range missiles targeting Russia. According to the Pentagon, the missile is based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), although detailed analysis of the wreckage is still pending.

Images published by the AP depicted twisted and burnt wires and an ashy airframe roughly the size of a large snow tire. These remains are all that is left of the IRBM which is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. Oleh, a specialist with Ukraine's Security Service who spoke on condition of anonymity, highlighted the significance by noting this is the first discovery of such remains on Ukrainian soil.

In addition to the new missile, Putin signed legislation offering debt relief for individuals enlisting in the Russian army to fight in Ukraine. The new law permits recruits signing one-year contracts to absolve debts up to 10 million rubles (approximately $96,000), a measure that underscores Russia's need for military personnel. The legislation also extends to the spouses of new recruits, and applies to debts with court collection orders active before December 1, 2024.

Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate confirmed that the IRBM was launched from Kapustin Yar in Russia's Astrakhan region, and it flew for 15 minutes before hitting Dnipro. The missile carried six warheads, each with six subunits, and attained speeds of Mach 11 according to Ukrainian officials. This contrasts with U.S. defense officials' claims that the missile did not qualify as hypersonic.

Last week, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh informed reporters of Russia's deployment of the IRBM, characterizing it as a "new type of lethal capability" on the battlefield. She also noted that the U.S. was briefly notified ahead of the launch via nuclear risk reduction channels.

As the international community watches closely, the implications of this new weapon and Russia's legislative moves continue to unfold in the evolving crisis between Russia and Ukraine.