According to Russian reports, fragments from falling rockets resulted in losses among personnel but caused no significant damage. Two buildings and three military vehicles, along with some civilian cars, were lightly damaged at the airport. The Russian army warned of a response, with Dmitri Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, stating, “The response will come when we deem it appropriate.” While Ukraine hasn’t confirmed the attack, Russian Telegram channel Astra reported one death and 26 injuries, with multiple explosions occurring. Astra also shared videos of the aftermath. Additionally, Astra claimed that a power plant in the airport’s industrial area was hit, leaving 27 residential buildings without heat and some air-raid shelters inaccessible. The U.S. had previously warned about Russia potentially using a ballistic missile in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine might be using American ATACMS missiles inside Russia in retaliation for North Korean troops being sent to Ukraine. These missiles were used by Ukraine twice in November, targeting a munitions depot and a military airfield.
Ukrainians Launched AGM-65 ATACMS Missiles Against Military Airbase, Claims Russia; Peskov Promises Retaliation
Russian officials have accused Ukraine of launching Cluster Munition rockets specifically designed by the U.S., sparking a strong response from Moscow and raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict.
Russian Allegations
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Ukrainian forces targeted an airfield in Russia’s Belgorod region with U.S.-supplied M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Peskov asserted that the attack involved AGM-65 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles, which he claims is a violation of Western promises not to provide Ukraine with advanced weaponry capable of attacking deep into Russia.
Russia’s Defense Ministry further elaborated that Ukrainian forces fired four ATACMS missiles from the HIMARS system, with two exploding in mid-air due to air defense systems, while one more was intercepted. The ministry claimed that the remaining missile was successfully intercepted by a Pantsir point-defense system.
Ukraine’s Response
Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. However, Russian claims of intercepted missiles have been met with skepticism, as such high-profile shoot-downs are typically accompanied by visual evidence, which has not been provided.
Russian Threats of Retaliation
Peskov emphasized that Russia would not leave this attack unanswered. He stated, "Such actions by the kyiv regime will certainly receive an adequate response. Everything will depend on what the military command will decide." Peskov’s use of the phrase "adequate response" is a typical Russian form of wording when threatening retaliation.
International Reaction
While the incident has not been independently verified, it has drawn international attention. The use of ATACMS missiles, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the conflict. The West has been careful not to provide Ukraine with weaponry that could be used to strike targets deep inside Russia, fearing it could provoke a wider conflict.
Potential Implications
If Russia follows through on its threats, retaliation could escalate the conflict further and potentially draw a broader response from the West. Additionally, the incident highlights the challenge NATO faces in supporting Ukraine without provoking a direct confrontation with Russia.
The international community remains on high alert, waiting for further developments in this fluid and dangerous situation. The United Nations and other international organizations continue to call for peace and de-escalation.