Russia Loses Ballistic Missile After Launch Explosion

Russia suffered a serious failure during an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test after a launch at the Yasny test range in the Orenburg region ended in an explosion just seconds after liftoff.

The projectile climbed between 200 and 400 meters before detonating in mid-air, creating a toxic purple cloud visible from a distance.

The incident occurred at one of Russia’s most sensitive strategic sites: the Yasny launch facility, which hosts both a cosmodrome and silos operated by the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSP). The area is one of the few in the country capable of launching long-range ICBMs equipped with nuclear warheads.

According to analyst Etienne Marcuse of the French think tank FRS, the missile involved in the accident was an RS-28 Sarmat, Russia’s newest heavy ICBM.

Source and images: X (Twitter) – Etienne Marcuse @Etienne_Marcuz. Instagram @ukraine_defence