In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow has vowed retaliation after its air defenses reportedly shot down eight US-made ATACMS missiles fired by Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defence announced the incident on Saturday, alongside the interception of 72 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The use of the long-range ATACMS missiles, which can reach up to 300 kilometers, is seen by Moscow as a significant intensification of the war.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence described the interception of the missiles as a clear message to the Kyiv regime and its Western supporters. “These actions by the Kyiv regime, which is supported by Western curators, will be met with retaliation,” the Ministry warned in its statement. The defense ministry elaborated that drones were shot down in the northwestern Leningrad region and in Kursk, reflecting the widening geographical scope of the conflict.
The ATACMS missiles, supplied by the United States, represent a notable shift in the type of weaponry being used by Ukraine. US President Joe Biden had approved their use in November, in part as a response to Russia’s reported deployment of North Korean troops to the conflict zone.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the missile incident with a stark warning, emphasizing the potential deployment of Russia’s new nuclear-capable ballistic missile, dubbed “Oreshnik.” The missile, which had its first and only test launch on November 21 targeting Ukraine’s Dnipro region, could be used in future conflicts, Putin suggested.
Putin hinted that the Oreshnik could be aimed at Kyiv, framing it as a test for Western-supplied air defense systems. This rhetoric underscores the heightened tensions and the risks of further military escalation between the two countries.
The missile incident was accompanied by a significant drone offensive. Russian state media reported that multiple drones were intercepted in the Leningrad region. Aleksandr Drozdenko, governor of Leningrad oblast, remarked on the increased frequency of drone attacks, noting that the “night and morning of January 4 were record-breaking in terms of the number of UAVs destroyed.”
Andrii Kovalenko, a Ukrainian security official, acknowledged the targeting of a seaport in Leningrad, describing it as a critical economic and military asset for Russia. This development highlights the strategic nature of recent Ukrainian attacks aimed at weakening Russia’s logistics and infrastructure.
On the Ukrainian side, the Air Force Command reported that Russia launched 81 drones at Ukraine overnight from Friday into Saturday, including Iranian-made Shahed drones and other varieties. Ukraine’s air defense successfully downed 34 of these drones, but not without damage to the Chernihiv and Sumy regions.
As the conflict enters a new year, Ukraine faces mounting challenges. Russian forces have made gains on the eastern front, with the village of Nadiya in Luhansk region falling under Russian control. In Donetsk, the city of Pokrovsk is under increasing pressure, with Ukrainian forces struggling to hold their ground against advancing Russian troops.
The potential shift in US policy under the incoming Trump administration adds another layer of uncertainty. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end the conflict, but there are concerns within Ukraine about a possible reduction in vital military aid. Any significant cutback in support could impact Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defensive efforts against Russian advances.
The escalation of military actions, particularly with the introduction of advanced weaponry like the ATACMS missiles and Russia’s nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, raises serious concerns for global security. The conflict has already seen extensive damage and loss of life, and the possibility of a nuclear engagement would have catastrophic consequences.
