What year did the Soviet Union launch their first intercontinental ballistic missile?

The Soviet Union launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in 1957. This milestone is significant in the context of the Cold War, marking a major advancement in military technology and capabilities. The successful test of the R-7 Semyorka missile demonstrated the USSR's ability to deliver nuclear warheads over long distances, which influenced global military strategies and prompted other nations, particularly the United States, to accelerate their own ICBM programs. The launch of the R-7 also coincided with the launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, showcasing a simultaneous advancement in both missile technology and space exploration. This context underscores the importance of 1957 as a pivotal year in both military and aerospace history.