Photo: Nikolay Gingazov / TASS
The Russian army claims to have intercepted eight US ATACMS missiles fired by Ukraine at Russian territory. This type of attack has previously been labelled by Moscow as a “red line” in the conflict, AFP reports.
“The air defence systems shot down eight US-made ATACMS tactical missiles and 72 drones,” the Russian Defence Ministry said. However, the Russian side did not specify whether these strikes caused casualties or material damage.
Escalation with the use of advanced weapons
In November, the administration of US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS, although it had previously opposed it. The decision came amid reports of North Korean soldiers supporting Russian forces, according to Kyiv and Western sources.
Ukraine has already carried out a number of attacks using ATACMS missiles, as well as British Storm Shadow missiles. In response, Russia used the experimental hypersonic Oreshnik missile for the first time, promising to “respond” to each such attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to strike at the centre of Kyiv as a reprisal move, but so far these threats have remained only lip service.
International reaction and Trump’s position
US President-elect Donald Trump, who is due to take office on 20 January, said in early December that he was “strongly opposed” to Ukraine’s use of US ATACMS missiles. He warned of the risk of an “intensification” and “escalation” of the war.
Fighting on the frontline and attacks on civilians
Two people were wounded in a drone attack near the border with Ukraine in Shebekino, Belgorod Region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
In the occupied territories of Donbas, Ukrainian strikes on Horlivka caused at least 10 injuries, according to local Russian protege Ivan Prikhodko.
At the same time, in the north of Luhansk region, Russia claimed to have taken control of the village of Nadiia, annexed in 2022.
In Kherson, according to the head of the military administration, Roman Mrochko, four people were wounded in a Russian drone strike.
The increased use of sophisticated weaponry on both sides has increased tensions, making the conflict increasingly complex. While Kyiv continues to insist on the liberation of its territories, Moscow is looking for ways to counter new challenges.
The events are unfolding against the backdrop of changes in global politics, and the world is watching to see whether the parties can find a way to de-escalate or whether the conflict will reach new heights.