Russia has vowed to retaliate after accusing Ukraine of launching US-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles into its territory, particularly targeting the border region of Belgorod. On January 3, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported that Ukrainian forces attempted a missile strike against Belgorod using these operational-tactical missiles, leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.

In a statement, the Russian Defence Ministry highlighted that all eight ATACMS missiles were shot down during the incident. It added that these actions by the Kyiv regime, which it claims is being supported by Western powers, will be met with a strong response. The [Al Jazeera] report elaborated on how this incident followed US President Joe Biden's approval last year for Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons against Russia, a decision seen by many as a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously threatened serious military actions, including strikes on central Kyiv, should Ukraine persist in targeting Russian territory with Western weaponry. Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump expressed his opposition to Ukraine's use of such arms, arguing that they serve to escalate the conflict further.

The ongoing military exchanges have resulted in mutual accusations of civilian casualties. A recent attack attributed to Russian forces in Ukraine's northeast Kharkiv region left a 74-year-old man dead, while the Ukrainian military reported that Russian artillery targeted settlements bordering the Sumy region, causing injuries among civilians, including children.

As both sides continue to engage in military confrontations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces have launched a significant barrage of attacks, which included the deployment of 300 attack drones within just a few days. In light of this, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Ukraine to strengthen its air defense systems, calling for continued support from allied nations.

As tensions rise, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on his final diplomatic tour, addressing European security issues in meetings in South Korea, Japan, and France this weekend, marking the outgoing Biden administration's efforts to strengthen ties with allies before the transition to a new government.

For further details, visit [India Times].