Russia is threatening a counterattack after Ukraine used Western-supplied missiles to strike facilities in its southern region.
At a Glance
- Russia accuses Ukraine of using Western missiles in the Rostov region attack.
- Putin threatens response with hypersonic missiles if these attacks continue.
- The US provides Ukraine with advanced weaponry and promises continued support.
- Both nations ramp up aerial strikes amid talks of a ceasefire.
Rising Tensions
Russia has accused Ukraine of using Western-supplied missiles to strike military targets, including a facility in the Rostov region. The equipment used reportedly involved US ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles. This comes shortly after the US allowed Ukraine access to these advanced long-range weapons, a decision that Russia strongly condemned. Moscow views the use of these weapons as a significant escalation in the conflict.
Ukraine remains firm in its offensive strikes on Russian strategic sites. According to Ukraine, six ATACMS missiles targeted a military airfield in Taganrog, but Russian sources claimed some were intercepted. Further claims were made by Ukraine as they announced strikes on military and energy facilities across Russia, which include an oil depot in Bryansk, adding fuel to the already rising regional tensions.
UK intel: Russia’s Oreshnik missile likely deployed for strategic messaging
Russia likely used its expensive, experimental Oreshnik missile as symbolic retaliation for Ukraine’s Western missile use, despite limited production, per UK intelligence.https://t.co/lGFuIAyQJA
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) November 29, 2024
Military Developments
Moscow’s defense ministry stated, “This attack by Western long-range weapons will not go unanswered and appropriate measures will be taken.” In response, President Putin threatened the use of hypersonic ballistic missiles against Kyiv if such attacks persisted. Furthermore, Russia stated it recaptured territory in the Kursk region, intensifying its military stance.
Russia confirmed the deployment of missiles against Ukraine, with a recent attack being one of the most extensive on Ukrainian energy since the conflict began. Approximately 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones were deployed, with Ukrainian defenses intercepting 81 missiles, demonstrating their resilience and strategic alliances with Western powers for defense capabilities.
International Repercussions
Amid these escalations, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Putin, attracting criticism from Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized, “No one should boost (their) personal image at the expense of unity.” He underlined the significance of maintaining European solidarity against Russia’s actions
The United States, meanwhile, reaffirmed its stance by pledging further military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems and nearly $1 billion in security assistance, highlighting ongoing international support for Ukraine’s defensive efforts. As the conflict continues, the world watches closely, anticipating whether diplomatic solutions can be achieved amid these increasing military actions.
