Russia has pledged to retaliate after alleging it shot down eight US-made ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles fired by Ukraine on Saturday morning. The missiles, which have a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles), represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, according to Moscow.
Details of the Incident
Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated that its air defenses intercepted the eight long-range ballistic missiles along with 72 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ministry accused Ukraine of acting under the guidance of its “Western curators” and warned that such actions would not go unanswered.
The statement also reported the destruction of several drones in the Leningrad region and one in Kursk, where Ukraine launched a surprise attack in 2023.
Escalation and Threats
The use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s approval in November 2024, in response to Russia’s alleged deployment of North Korean troops to bolster its efforts in the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the use of the missiles and threatened retaliatory measures, including the potential deployment of the new nuclear-capable “Oreshnik” ballistic missile. Last month, Putin hinted at using the weapon to target Kyiv as a test of Western-supplied air defense systems.
The first known launch of the Oreshnik missile occurred on November 21, targeting Ukraine’s Dnipro region.
Impact on Russia
Ukrainian drone strikes have forced temporary restrictions at the St. Petersburg airport, according to Russian state media. Aleksandr Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, reported that four drones were shot down, marking a record number of UAV interceptions in a single night.
Ukrainian security official Andrii Kovalenko stated that a seaport in Leningrad was targeted, describing it as a critical “instrument of economic and military survival for Russia in isolation.”
Ukraine’s Counteroffensive
Ukraine’s Air Force Command reported that Russian forces launched 81 drones at Ukraine overnight, including Iranian-made Shahed drones. Ukrainian defenses successfully downed 34 Shahed UAVs, but some drones caused damage in the Chernihiv and Sumy regions.
Despite these efforts, Ukraine faces mounting challenges on the battlefield. Russia has reportedly captured the village of Nadiya in the Luhansk region and is exerting increased pressure on the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk.
Uncertain Future
As the conflict grinds into 2025, Ukraine’s military position remains precarious. Concerns are also rising over the incoming Trump administration’s stance on military aid. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end the war, raising fears in Kyiv that vital U.S. support could be scaled back.
The conflict, which began in February 2022, shows no signs of abating, with both sides escalating their efforts to gain the upper hand.
