Russia launched an ICBM over the Dnieper: what makes the city appealing to the Kremlin and what could be the next target, according to CNN.

On the night of November 21, the Russian Armed Forces shelled Ukraine, utilizing an intercontinental ballistic missile. The city of Dnipro was under enemy fire. CNN revealed the reason why this city is significant for Moscow and identified a likely next target.

Why Dnipro is of Interest to Russia Since the Start of the Full-Scale War

Reports indicate that in recent months, Dnipropetrovsk region has frequently suffered from enemy shelling. The region borders the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, parts of which are temporarily occupied by the Russian Armed Forces. It has become a refuge for many internally displaced persons.

Currently, over 400,000 people with IDP status reside in Dnipropetrovsk region. Dnipro is the fourth largest city in Ukraine and a vital center in the east.

"It is relatively close to the front line, yet still well-protected by air defense. This, along with its transportation infrastructure connecting it to the rest of the country, makes the city a key hub for Ukraine's military efforts," the publication explained.

The Next Target of the ICBM Strike Could Be the Capital

Retired U.S. Major General Mark McCarley suggested that the strike with an intercontinental ballistic missile might serve as a warning. He believes that Russia's choice to attack Dnipro could signal that the weapon may be aimed at Kyiv.

"One could say that Russia has delivered the first blow to Dnipro — it's like a statement that if Ukraine does not back down from using, say, the recently provided ATACMS from the U.S. and Storm Shadow from the U.K., then Russia will use the same intercontinental ballistic missile with greater range to strike Kyiv," McCarley explained.