Russia has vowed to respond after claiming to have intercepted eight US-supplied ATACMS missiles launched by Ukraine towards its border region of Belgorod.
The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that on January 3, there was an attempted missile attack from Ukrainian territory using American-made ATACMS missiles. The Ministry condemned the actions of the Kyiv regime, which it believes is backed by Western powers, and warned of retaliation. All eight missiles were reportedly shot down by Russian air defences.
The ATACMS missiles, with a range of 300km, were developed in the 1980s. Last year, outgoing US President Joe Biden authorized the use of long-range weapons by Ukraine against Russia, a decision criticized by the Kremlin. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed opposition to Ukraine’s use of such arms, calling it an escalation of the conflict.
In addition to military aid from the US, Ukraine is set to receive French Mirage 2000-5F fighters this month.
Tensions between Kyiv and Moscow have escalated, with both sides accusing each other of attacks on civilians. Russian strikes in Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Sumy regions resulted in casualties, including a 74-year-old man killed and several people wounded.
Russian forces also targeted the city of Pokrovsk in an attempt to cut off supply routes to Ukrainian troops. President Zelenskyy condemned the ongoing Russian attacks and emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming trip will include discussions on European security and Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The Biden administration is making final efforts to support Kyiv before the transition to the next US government.
