It is now confirmed that the weapon Russia fired in an unprecedented attack on Ukraine yesterday was not an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Its use highlights past discussions about the potential value of a conventionally armed ICBM,

I can confirm that Russia did launch an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile [at Ukraine],” said Singh. “This IRBM is based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile model.

Firing a ballistic missile or ICBM in a depressed trajectory mode means launching it on a lower, flatter flight path instead of the usual high-arching trajectory.