Late Thursday, Ukraine’s Air Force raised alarms about a potential nuclear-capable missile being launched from a Russian strategic nuclear testing facility. Reports indicated that this threat emerged from the Kapustin Yar site, just before midnight, causing concern across the region.

Shortly thereafter, the western Ukrainian city of Lviv experienced a series of explosions. The Ukrainian Air Force released a statement early Friday, detailing the detection of an intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Russian test site. However, as reported by the New York Times, it remains unconfirmed whether these explosions were directly linked to a nuclear-capable missile.

Should the connection be verified, it would signify only the second instance of Russia launching such a missile from a strategic test location distant from Ukraine’s borders. This development could pose a formidable threat not only to Ukraine but also to its Western supporters, signaling a potential escalation in tensions.

Furthermore, the proximity of these blasts to Poland, a NATO member, is closer than a previous missile strike in 2024 involving the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile. This proximity has amplified concerns regarding the possibility of further escalation in the region.

The blasts came closer to the border of NATO member Poland than a 2024 strike involving the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile, heightening fears of possible escalation.

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi wrote on Telegram that the explosions damaged unspecified infrastructure.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.