Russia Threatens Retaliation Over Western Rockets
Kremlin’s Warning After Ukraine’s Long-Range Attacks
Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to the West following Ukraine’s use of American and British missiles to strike Russian targets. Russia’s defense ministry announced “retaliatory actions are being prepared” in response to recent Ukrainian air attacks. The attacks utilized U.S.-supplied ATACMS rockets and British Storm Shadow missiles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing war.
On November 18, Ukraine launched ATACMS rockets for the first time after receiving approval from U.S. President Joe Biden. Recent strikes on November 23 and 25 targeted Russian military infrastructure, including the S-400 air defense system and the Kursk-Vostochny military airbase. Damage from these attacks has intensified Moscow’s rhetoric, with visuals of missile fragments shared online to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
Putin’s Hypersonic Weaponry and Western Targets
Putin reiterated his willingness to escalate, threatening to use the hypersonic “Oreshnik” ballistic weapon, which recently struck Dnipro. Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia may already possess ten of these weapons, with plans for mass production.
In a chilling statement, Putin suggested strikes on U.S. and U.K. targets are not off the table. His threats are part of an ongoing strategy to intimidate Western nations providing military aid to Ukraine.
Diplomatic Fallout: Expulsion and Sanctions
The geopolitical stakes have also risen. Russia expelled British diplomat Wilkes Edward Prior, accusing him of espionage. Moscow alleged that Prior provided false information to gain entry, claiming his activities endangered Russian security.
This follows Russia’s earlier expulsion of six British diplomats and new sanctions barring prominent U.K. politicians and journalists from entering Russia. A No. 10 spokesperson dismissed the accusations as baseless, reiterating the U.K.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and protecting its national interests.
Rising Drone Activity Near U.K. Airbases
Further fueling tensions, drones have been sighted near U.S. airbases in the U.K., including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. Military sources suspect Russian involvement in these sabotage attempts. In response, the Royal Air Force deployed ORCUS counter-drone systems to protect sensitive installations.
As Ukraine intensifies its defense with advanced Western weaponry, Russia’s response grows increasingly aggressive. Putin’s threats and the diplomatic fallout signal a dangerous escalation with global implications. Western allies remain resolute, but the stakes for all parties involved continue to rise.
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