Russia has declared its intention to retaliate after asserting that it successfully intercepted eight US-made ATACMS missiles fired by Ukraine on Saturday. The use of these missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometers, is viewed by Moscow as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the country's air defenses downed the eight ballistic missiles in conjunction with 72 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of aircraft-type. The Ministry stated that these actions by the Kyiv regime, allegedly supported by Western powers, will not go unanswered.
Several drones were reportedly destroyed in the Leningrad and Kursk regions as a result of the missile interception. The US President at the time, Joe Biden, had authorized Kyiv's use of ATACMS in response to Russia's perceived involvement in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of potential retaliation using Russia's new nuclear-capable ballistic missile, 'Oreshnik,' in response to Ukrainian strikes with ATACMS. Putin had previously hinted at the possibility of targeting Kyiv with this weapon as a test of Western-supplied air defense systems.
Recent drone attacks by Ukraine led to temporary flight restrictions at an airport in St. Petersburg. The governor of Leningrad oblast reported a record number of UAVs destroyed in his region, with specific targeting of a seaport seen as crucial for Russia's economic and military interests.
Overnight, Russia launched a significant number of drones towards Ukraine, including Iranian-made Shahed drones and various imitation drones. Ukrainian forces managed to down a considerable portion of these drones, although some caused damage in specific regions.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen recent developments, with Russia gaining ground on the eastern frontlines. Russian forces have reportedly taken control of certain areas in the Luhansk region, while Ukrainian territories face increasing pressure in Donetsk.
Ukraine's concerns extend to potential changes in military aid under the incoming Trump administration, as Trump himself has expressed intentions to resolve the conflict.
