Russia to retaliate after Ukrainian strikes with US-supplied ATACMS missiles in Kursk MoD confirms

The Russian Defence Ministry has confirmed that Ukrainian forces have launched two strikes using long-range Western weapons against targets in the Kursk region in recent days, with retaliatory actions being prepared.

On November 23, Ukrainian forces deployed five US-made ATACMS missiles to target the position of a Russian S-400 anti-aircraft division near Lotarevka, located 37 km northwest of Kursk, Caliber.Az reports citing the ministry's message.

Of the five missiles fired, two reached their target. The attack resulted in damage to a radar system and caused casualties among Russian personnel. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, three of the missiles were intercepted during an anti-missile battle.

Two days later, on November 25, Ukrainian forces launched another strike, this time targeting the Kursk Vostochny airfield (near Khalino) with eight ATACMS missiles. Seven of the missiles were intercepted by Russian S-400 and Pantsir surface-to-air missile systems, but one missile successfully hit its target. The missile fragments caused minor damage to infrastructure and resulted in two Russian servicemen sustaining light injuries.

In response to the strikes, the Russian Defence Ministry indicated it was preparing retaliatory actions against Ukrainian facilities that have utilized US-supplied ATACMS missiles in the Kursk region.

This escalation follows an announcement on November 21 by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who revealed that Russia had launched its own new-generation intermediate-range missile, named "Oreshnik." Putin indicated that the missile strike was in retaliation for Ukraine's use of long-range Western weapons, particularly those provided by the US and the UK, which have been targeting Russian territory.

The Russian president also issued a warning, stating that Russia considers itself "entitled" to strike military facilities in countries that allow Ukraine to use their weapons against Russia. This statement underlines the growing tensions as the conflict progresses into its third year.

In response to Russia's missile launch, the United States condemned the move, accusing Moscow of escalating the conflict at every turn. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow had informed Washington about the missile strike via the automatic nuclear de-escalation hotline, providing a 30-minute notice prior to the launch.

By Tamilla Hasanova