Reports have emerged regarding the likely launch of Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile against Ukraine, raising consequential concerns about escalating execrations. This testing missile, puffing a range of 2,000 to 6,000 kilometres, has yet to be deployed in battle. The RS-26, initially designed in the early 2010s, was developed as a medium-to-long-range ballistic missile adept at bypassing advanced missile defence systems. Officially, the program was reportedly delayed in favour of other projects like the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle. 

However, recent reports indicate that Russia may have covertly progressed its development and deployment capabilities. If the assertions hold, the RS-26 could become a new element in Moscow’s strategy to exercise psychological pressure on Ukraine and its Western partners.

The RS-26 Rubezh is a ballistic missile with particulars that obscure the line between intermediate and intercontinental ranges. It is developed to carry a warhead weighing up to 1,200 kilograms, a load equivalent to three Iskander missiles integrated. The missile attains speeds of Mach 5 or higher, making it quite challenging to intercept with existing missile defence approaches like Patriot or NASAMS.

The creation of the RS-26 violates the now-defunct Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which banned missiles with capacities between 500 and 5,000 kilometres. The treaty’s descent in 2019, triggered by alleged breaches from both Russia and the U.S., removed limitations on the deployment of such weapons. While the RS-26 has been deemed experimental, its potential usage in Ukraine could mark its debut in functional scenarios.

According to experts, if projected, the RS-26 could experiment with Ukraine’s air defence systems to their limitations. While systems like Patriot have demonstrated usefulness against advanced missiles, they are not prepared to counter intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)-class dangers. The RS-26’s high speed and unexpected trajectory would pose a considerable challenge.

For Ukraine’s Western partners, the deployment of the RS-26 would likely begin a reassessment of their military and diplomatic approaches. The missile’s service would highlight the need for further advanced air defence systems and possibly more significant involvement in Ukraine’s defence infrastructure. NATO allies may also face continued calls to provide direct military backing to counter Russia’s growing dependence on experimental weaponry.