Ukraine has reportedly utilized Western-supplied weapons to strike Russia, targeting a long-range surface-to-air missile system that has been firing missiles at the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. This action follows President Biden's recent authorization for Ukraine to conduct limited strikes inside Russia using American military weaponry.
The strike marks the first instance of American weapons being deployed into Russian territory, specifically what Russia considers its old territories. Video evidence and acknowledgments from Russian military sources indicate that the weaponry used was a type of HIMARS, specifically the vehicle-driven MLRS HIMARS.
The attack originated near the border and the front line, rather than from deep within Ukrainian territory. This strike on Belgorod represents a significant escalation in the conflict, as it is the first time American weapons have been employed in this manner.
In response to the strike, a top Russian official issued a warning of consequences for the United States. While there may be pressure for Russia to retaliate for domestic reasons, it is speculated that any such response may be fabricated to appease the public. It is unlikely that Russia would directly target non-Ukrainian, specifically American, assets at this juncture.
