Ukraine Defends Against Russian Invasion with U.S.-Supplied ATACMS Rockets
In a significant escalation, Ukraine has employed long-range ATACMS rockets provided by the U.S. against specific targets in Russia, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. While Russia claims all the rockets were shot down, the details remain unverified independently.
President Biden’s green light in November enabled Ukraine to use the American-made rockets in its defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. Moscow has responding ominously, warning that any such attacks will be met with counterstrikes using hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian targets.
In November, Russia launched an Orekh (Walnut) medium-range rocket, capable of reaching speeds up to 10 times the speed of sound and potentially equipped with nuclear warheads, towards the city of Dnipro. Although the attack resulted in minimal damage, it underscored Russia’s escalating willingness to employ advanced weaponry in the conflict.
Meanwhile, as Russia asserts it has thwarted all ATACMS rocket attacks, a high-rise in Voronezh, east of Belgorod, was evacuated due to a suspected drone strike, according to the city’s mayor.
While both sides remain locked in a fierce conflict, the use of advanced weaponry signals a significant shift in the war’s dynamics, with potential consequences extending far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
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