Breaking News: Russia Promises Retaliation After Ukraine Launches U.S. ATACMS Missiles
Russia has vowed to respond to Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, which it contends crossed a red line in the ongoing conflict. The Russian military announced in a statement that it intercepted several ATACMS missiles and promised "retaliation" against the "regime in Kiev," which it accuses of acting under the guidance of its Western backers.
The latest incident comes amidst escalating tensions between the two countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously asked for more advanced weaponry to help counter Russian airstrikes and reinforcements, including Western tanks and long-range missiles. The Biden administration has authorized the use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine in response to the reported deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers to support Russian forces.
In the past weeks, Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned that he would order a strike on Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, if Ukraine were to use these advanced missiles. However, he has yet to make good on this threat. Meanwhile, the Russian military claims to have shot down eight ATACMS missiles and 72 drones launched towards the Belgorod region, although it did not provide information on any casualties or material damage.
The conflict has led to reciprocal accusations of attacks on civilians from both sides. Russia was blamed for striking a village in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, resulting in the death of a 74-year-old man. Additionally, four people were injured in a drone attack in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. In response, the Ukrainian military claimed to have captured the small town of Nadiia in the eastern region of Lugansk, while an attack on the Russian city of Gorlovka reportedly left at least ten people injured.
Separately, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the detention of four minors suspected of plotting a bombing in crowded areas of Ekaterinburg. Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has increasingly targeted individuals suspected of collaboration with Kiev, leading to numerous arrests and trials for treason, terrorism, sabotage, and espionage.
Above all, the conflict has led to widespread sanctions, threats, and imprisonment of those opposing Russia’s actions in Ukraine, underscoring the deepening divide between the two nations.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected.
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