Russia claims to have intercepted US ATACMS missiles fired by Ukraine, promising retaliation. Tensions rise as kyiv carries out attacks using Western weapons. Find out how this new development could impact the ongoing conflict.
As the Russian-Ukrainian conflict continues to rage, a new escalation of tensions has just occurred. According to sources close to the Kremlin, Russia has intercepted American ATACMS missiles fired by Ukraine, and is now promising retaliation. This announcement comes in an already tense context, where Ukrainian attacks using weapons supplied by the West are increasing.
A red line for Moscow
According to a press release from the Russian army, these ATACMS missile launches against Russian territory constitute a red line in the conflict. President Vladimir Putin has already threatened to strike kyiv city center in response to such attacks, but has so far failed to follow through on his words. But this new interception could well change the situation.
Controversial long-range weapons
Remember that the Biden administration authorized Ukraine’s use of these ATACMS missiles last November, after having long opposed it. A decision which follows the alleged deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian troops. Since then, kyiv has carried out several attacks using these long-range weapons, as well as British Storm Shadows.
These actions of the kyiv regime, which is supported by its Western guardians, will be subject to reprisals.
Russian army statement
Russia responds with hypersonic weapons
In response to these attacks, Russia claims to have fired for the first time an experimental hypersonic weapon called “Orechnik”. Moscow promises a systematic response to each Ukrainian strike of this type on its territory. A military escalation which raises fears of a worsening of the conflict.
Trump opposes the use of ATACMS
Interestingly, American President-elect Donald Trump, who is due to return to the White House on January 20, said in mid-December that he was “strongly opposed” to Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles. He spoke of an “intensification” and “aggravation” of the conflict. A position that contrasts with that of the Biden administration.
Attacks on both sides of the border
Meanwhile, hostilities continue near the Russian-Ukrainian border. Two people were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Chebekino, Russia. On the Ukrainian side, a Russian strike left at least ten injured in Gorlivka, in the east of the country. And four more people were hit by a Russian drone in Kherson, in the south.
Increased repression in Russia
Inside Russia, the security services (FSB) regularly announce the arrest of individuals suspected of collaborating with kyiv. Trials for “treason”, “terrorism”, “sabotage” or “espionage” are increasing, with heavy penalties. Thousands of people have been sanctioned, threatened or imprisoned for their opposition to the war in Ukraine.
In this context of heightened tensions, Russia’s interception of American ATACMS missiles and its promise of reprisals raise fears of a further escalation of the conflict. As Western weapons flow into Ukraine, Moscow appears determined to fight back with force. An explosive situation which arouses the concern of the international community, in search of a peaceful outcome to this never-ending war.
