Russian Kedr missiles: Ukraine explores post-split interception strategies

The Kedr missile system is a recent development by the Russian military, albeit based on modernized Soviet-era technology. While it is not intercontinental, this type of ballistic missile can potentially carry nuclear warheads.

As the missile ascends, it separates into six individual warheads. According to the NV source, Ukraine currently lacks the capability to intercept the missile as a whole. Instead, targeting individual warheads after separation is the most feasible approach for defense.

An additional military source told NV that Ukraine is in talks with the United States to acquire weaponry capable of intercepting intercontinental missiles. Discussions include upgrading the Patriot air defense system or potentially receiving advanced missile defense systems like Aegis or THAAD.

The source suggested that Russia’s use of the Kedr missile may be intended to intimidate the Ukrainian public and Europeans with the threat of a direct nuclear strike. Furthermore, it could be aimed at pressuring the U.S. into negotiations to end the war.

Although the Kedr missile used in the Nov. 21 strike on Dnipro was not nuclear-armed, the NV source did not rule out future nuclear intimidation by Russia. “Putin is a war criminal,” the source said, adding that using tactical nuclear weapons would be a catastrophic mistake for the Kremlin leader, likely leading to his ultimate defeat.

Nov. 21 ballistic missile strike on Dnipro: What we know

On the morning of Nov. 21, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a ballistic missile from the Astrakhan region targeting the city of Dnipro. Ukrainian Pravda, citing its sources, suggested that the missile could be the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, marking its potential first use in the conflict.

However, Western officials have not confirmed the use of an intercontinental missile. They speculated it could be an experimental medium-range ballistic missile. A U.S. official speaking to CNN noted that Russia has very few of these missiles, and Ukraine has previously endured strikes from missiles with more powerful warheads.

Later that day, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed in a public address that Russian forces had used a new medium-range missile system, Oreshnik, previously unreported in the public domain.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) stated that the Nov. 21 strike was likely carried out using the Kedr missile system. According to HUR, Kedr was tested in October 2023 and June 2024.