Moscow’s Accusations and Warnings
Moscow accused Kyiv of using US-supplied ATACMS missiles against a military airfield in Rostov. President Putin warned that Ukraine’s actions make peace impossible. Russia vowed to retaliate for the strike on its territory.
Putin has threatened to strike Kyiv with hypersonic missiles if Ukraine continues its attacks. Russia claims it has recaptured territory in Kursk after Ukraine’s overnight assault. Putin discussed Ukraine’s “destructive” stance with Orban.
Details of the Latest Attack
Russia’s defense ministry reported that Ukraine launched six ATACMS missiles at Taganrog’s airfield. Two were shot down, and others were deflected by electronic warfare. The attack caused minor damage but no casualties. The ministry promised a response.
A US official suggested that Russia might soon use another Oreshnik missile against Ukraine. This follows last month’s nuclear-capable missile strike on Dnipro, which Putin claimed was retaliation for earlier Ukrainian attacks.
Ukrainian Response and Strikes:
President Zelensky praised the strikes as “tangible blows” against Russian aggression. Ukraine targeted military and energy facilities in Russia, including an oil depot in Bryansk. Videos showed the impact of these strikes, with fireballs lighting up the night sky.
Both nations have intensified aerial attacks, positioning for leverage before Trump’s inauguration. The death toll from a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia rose to nine. Orban’s call with Putin, discussing peace, drew criticism from Zelensky for potentially fracturing European unity.
This ongoing conflict highlights the fragile state of diplomacy and the high stakes of military engagements in the region.
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