Moscow – A military base in southern Russia was attacked this morning with long-range missiles supplied by the United States,according to the Russian Ministry of defense. Russian forces have sworn reprisal for the incursion.
Reports from Wednesday morning indicate that two of the missiles were intercepted by the Pantsir air defense system.
“Six ATACMS ballistic missiles, made in America, were used in the attack. Two missiles were shot down by the crews of Pantsir air defense systems,while the rest were deflected by electronic warfare equipment,” stated the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Russia has warned that this attack will not stand unchallenged, vowing to take appropriate action in response to the unprecedented violation of its territory.
“These long-range attacks using Western weapons will not be tolerated, adn appropriate measures will be taken,” the statement declared.
There are concerns that Russia might retaliate with more hypersonic ballistic missiles soon, but U.S. officials believe these weapons won’t substantially shift the balance of power in the conflict.this escalation follows a series of attacks by Ukrainian forces using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles on November 19th, and U.K.-made Storm Shadow missiles and U.S.-supplied HIMARS on November 21st.
Following these incursions, President Putin characterized the escalating conflict as a move toward global war, blaming the U.S. and U.K. for enabling Ukraine to attack Russia. He warned the West of a strong response from Moscow. in retaliation, on November 21st, Russia fired a new medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile, known as ‘Oreshnik,’ or Hazelnut, at Ukraine. This launch, according to Putin, was a direct response to the Ukrainian attacks using American and British weapons.
How might NATO respond to increased military escalations between Russia and Ukraine?
Interview with Dr. Ivan Petrov, Military Expert, on the Recent Missile Attacks and Escalations in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Editor of Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrov. The recent missile attack on a military base in southern Russia, reportedly involving long-range missiles supplied by the United States, has escalated tensions significantly. Can you summarize what occurred during this attack?
Dr. Ivan petrov: Certainly.This morning, Russian military officials reported an attack on one of their bases using six ATACMS ballistic missiles supplied by the United States. The Russian Pantsir air defense system managed to intercept two of those missiles, while the remaining four were neutralized by electronic warfare measures. The Russian Ministry of Defense framed this as a serious violation of their territorial integrity.
Editor: The Russian response has been quite assertive,with promises of reprisals. What kind of measures do you anticipate Russia may take in response to this incident?
Dr. Petrov: The rhetoric from Russia suggests we may witness retaliatory strikes, potentially involving hypersonic ballistic missiles. putin has characterized these missile attacks as a significant escalation, blaming the U.S. and U.K. for allowing Ukraine to launch such operations against Russian territory. Given the nature of international relations currently,we could also see a broader military strategy that might include more supply of advanced weaponry to Ukrainian forces in response to any Russian attacks.
Editor: After a series of attacks by Ukrainian forces using U.S.-supplied equipment, how do you assess the balance of power in this conflict?
Dr. Petrov: U.S. officials have downplayed the potential for a significant shift in the balance of power due to these attacks. Though, the injection of advanced weaponry, such as ATACMS and HIMARS, into Ukrainian hands does suggest that thay are now capable of reaching deeper into Russian territory.The real concern is what this indicates about the future; it could lead to either heightened military engagements or an escalatory spiral where both sides feel compelled to respond more forcefully.
Editor: President Putin has warned of a “strong response” to these encroachments. What implications does this have for NATO and broader Western involvement in the conflict?
Dr. Petrov: Putin’s warnings signal that any escalation on either side might draw in NATO allies more directly. If Russia perceives direct Western involvement in the conflict, it may respond with aggressive military posturing to deter further support to Ukraine. This could strain NATO’s cohesion and provoke debates over the strategic direction of the alliance’s response to Russia’s actions. Ultimately, the situation remains highly volatile.
Editor: With such increased military tensions, what practical advice do you have for nations and individuals who are monitoring this situation closely?
Dr. Petrov: It’s essential for governments to maintain open lines of interaction with their citizens regarding evolving military dynamics. Individuals, especially those in Eastern europe or allied nations, should stay informed about military developments and government advisories. Awareness of potential military escalations is vital for personal safety and preparation. Additionally, public discourse should encourage a focus on diplomatic solutions, emphasizing an end to hostilities as a preferable outcome for all parties involved.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Petrov. This information will undoubtedly help our readers better understand the implications of these recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a swift resolution to this crisis.