Russia Plans Nighttime ICBM Launch, Ukraine’s Intelligence Warns Citizens to Stay Alert
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (GUR) has issued an urgent warning regarding a planned nighttime launch of an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by the Russian Federation. The so-called “training and combat” launch is scheduled to take place under the guise of routine exercises, but Ukrainian officials are urging civilians to remain on high alert, particularly during nighttime air raid alarms.
The RS-24 Yars is a nuclear-capable ICBM developed to replace earlier models such as the Topol-M. It is capable of delivering multiple warheads over a distance of up to 12,000 kilometers. Although Russia labels the launch as a “training” activity, the timing, scale, and purpose of such a move in the midst of an ongoing full-scale war raise serious concerns for Ukraine and its allies.
GUR officials warn that Russia has increasingly used “training” launches as a pretext for military intimidation or disinformation. In previous instances, similar drills were used to mask preparations for actual strikes or to test international reactions to escalatory behavior. Against this backdrop, the upcoming launch cannot be dismissed as routine.
More importantly, the planned timing—at night—is a calculated move. Russia has consistently targeted Ukrainian cities and infrastructure during nighttime hours to maximize civilian fear and minimize visibility for air defenses. The GUR has warned that this launch may coincide with or precede further long-range missile or drone strikes across Ukraine.
Ukrainian civilians are advised to take nighttime alarms seriously and seek shelter promptly. The Defense Intelligence stresses the importance of not becoming complacent about alerts, even in areas that have not been hit recently.
Ukrainian authorities are also urging the public to help spread the warning. Reposting the alert on social media and informing friends and family, particularly those in high-risk regions, can help save lives. Local administrations have echoed the call for increased vigilance, particularly in eastern and central regions where air defense infrastructure is often targeted or bypassed by drone swarms.
This development follows a pattern of Russian behavior that weaponizes both psychological pressure and military hardware. The use of strategic missile systems in “exercises” has long been a hallmark of Moscow’s doctrine of hybrid intimidation—blending real military capabilities with propaganda and uncertainty.
International observers will be closely monitoring the RS-24 launch, especially for signs that it is being used to simulate a nuclear strike or to test systems under real-world war conditions. With global tensions already elevated, any miscalculation involving an ICBM—regardless of stated intent—could escalate rapidly.
For Ukrainians, however, the focus remains on survival. As night falls, the GUR’s message is clear: be alert, respond to every alarm, and protect your loved ones. The threat is real, and vigilance is the first line of defense.
Russia has been making a mockery of peace, not only bombing the country, but also pressing for outrageous concessions.