Kazakhstan says it will strengthen security due to Russia’s launch of Rubezh ICBMs at Ukraine

24 November, 2024 Kazakhstan military. Photo from the country's Ministry of Defense Kazakhstan has announced the strengthening of security in the wake of Russia's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine.

Berik Uali, the Advisor and Press Secretary to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, announced this. On his Facebook page, he noted that by order of the President of Kazakhstan, urgent measures will be taken to ensure additional security for both military and civilian facilities. He also expressed the concern of the Kazakh government, as the use of an intercontinental ballistic missile against Ukraine is seen as a direct escalation and aggravation of an already difficult situation.

9K317E BUK-M2E air defense system of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan.

February 2021. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan

"Take urgent measures to ensure the security of key military and civilian facilities due to the escalation of the situation around Ukraine," Berik Uali wrote on his Facebook page. This message came after the attack on the city of Dnipro by an RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile on the morning of November 21, 2024.

Since Kazakhstan does not support Russia's actions in Ukraine and seeks to comply with international sanctions aimed at isolating Russia, the political situation inside the country remains quite tense. In addition, some Russian politicians allow themselves to make aggressive statements against Kazakhstan, hinting that in the event of a complication of the situation, Russia may send its troops into Kazakhstan to "resolve the political situation."

A pair of Su-30 SM fighter jets of the Kazakh Air Defense Forces. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan

Militarnyi previously reported that on the morning of November 21, Russia attacked the city of Dnipro with missiles of various types, including an intercontinental ballistic missile.

According to the military, the intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region.

The reports stated that the attack could be carried out by an RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile, which is a medium-range ballistic missile designed to deliver nuclear warheads.

Some sources assumed the launch was planned from the Kapustin Yar test site in the Astrakhan region.