Russia has used its latest missile against Ukraine for a second time in the nearly 4-year-old war, a forceful signal to Kyiv and its Western allies as peace talks are in a crucial stage

An intermediate-range ballistic missile -- dubbed "Oreshnik" -- used by Russia in an overnight strike on Ukraine is, according to the Kremlin, a "state-of-the art" weapon that cannot be intercepted.

The choice of western Ukraine — near the border with Poland, an E.U. and NATO member — as the target seemed intended to send a message to Europe as it strongly backs Kyiv in the settlement talks.