Russia Faces New Challenges as Ukraine Launches ATACMS Missile Strikes and NATO Condemns Hypersonic Missile Tests

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching two more attacks on its territory using US-supplied ATACMS missiles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to Russia’s defense ministry, the strikes occurred on November 23 and 25, targeting military installations and an airfield in the Kursk region. In the first strike, two out of five missiles hit a Russian S-400 air defense system, damaging its radar. The second attack involved eight missiles aimed at the Kursk-Vostochny airport, with one missile hitting the target and wounding two soldiers.

The use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine follows a recent decision by U.S. President Joe Biden to allow Kyiv to utilize these longer-range weapons. This move is seen as a significant shift in military strategy, enabling Ukraine to target important military assets deep within Russian territory. Russia has responded by preparing “retaliatory actions” and has also launched its own attacks, including a new type of intermediate-range missile, the Oreshnik, which was used to strike the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

The Oreshnik missile strike was described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a response to Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weapons. Putin warned that Moscow may target military facilities in countries supporting Ukraine, prompting an emergency meeting between NATO and Ukrainian officials in Brussels. The meeting aimed to discuss the current security situation and the implications of Russia’s new hypersonic missile tests.

NATO has reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine, despite the escalating tensions and the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. support under President-elect Donald Trump. European leaders and NATO officials have emphasized the need to sustain and expand military support to Ukraine, particularly as the conflict enters a critical phase.

The ongoing conflict has also seen Russia intensify its attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas, including a record number of drone attacks. Ukraine’s air force reported that 188 drones were launched against various regions, causing damage to apartment buildings and critical infrastructure, although most of the drones were intercepted.