Russia Vows Retaliation After Ukraine Strikes Russian Targets with US-Supplied Missiles

Moscow has vowed to retaliate after Ukraine launched US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) at Russian military installations, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The strikes, which occurred on November 23 and 25, targeted military installations and an airfield in Russia‘s western Kursk region, causing damage and injuries to Russian servicemen.

The Russian defense ministry acknowledged that Ukraine’s ATACMS strikes hit the Kursk Vostochny air base, wounding two servicemen, and damaged a radar system at an air defense battery, resulting in casualties. Russia’s defense ministry also reported that three of the five missiles fired in the first strike were shot down, while seven of the eight used in the second strike were destroyed.

In response to Ukraine’s use of the US-supplied missiles, Russia launched a record 188 drones at Ukraine overnight, disrupting energy supplies in the east of the country. This drone attack was part of a broader campaign by Russia to target civilian areas and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin had previously warned against such missile attacks, hinting that Russia could continue using its new Oreshnik experimental hypersonic missile, which he suggested could carry a nuclear payload. Putin emphasized that Russia had the right to hit military facilities in countries that allow Ukraine to use their weapons against Russia.

The situation has prompted a meeting between ambassadors from Ukraine and NATO‘s 32 members in Brussels to discuss Russia’s actions, including the firing of an intermediate-range missile last week. However, diplomats have played down expectations for any major outcomes from these consultations.

On the battlefield, Russian forces continue to advance in the east of Ukraine, capturing another village in the Kharkiv region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have struck a bus in the Russian-occupied town of Nova Kakhovka, resulting in civilian casualties.