Thu Nov 21 13:06:57 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Launches Long-Range Strikes into Russia; Tensions Escalate Amidst US Policy Shifts

**KYIV/MOSCOW** – Ukraine launched long-range missile strikes into Russian territory for a second consecutive day, using both British Storm Shadow and US-supplied missiles, prompting a furious response from Russia. The attacks, which targeted the Kursk region, reportedly resulted in significant explosions and prompted the discovery of missile fragments. Russia’s foreign intelligence chief, Sergei Naryshkin, vowed that NATO countries facilitating these attacks would face retaliation.

This escalation comes amidst a series of significant developments:

* **US Policy Shifts:** The US authorized the use of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine and announced a $275 million military aid package, including HIMARS ammunition and Javelin missiles. This decision, while criticized by Russia as an attempt to prolong the war, was justified by the Biden administration as a means to bolster Ukraine’s position in future negotiations, especially given the impending change in US leadership. President-elect Donald Trump has previously expressed skepticism towards continued military aid to Ukraine.

* **Embassy Closures:** The US embassy in Kyiv temporarily closed due to a perceived threat of a major air attack, a move followed by Italy and Greece. Other Western embassies maintained a reduced operational capacity or urged caution.

* **Ukraine’s Response:** Ukraine reported shooting down a significant number of Russian drones and missiles launched on Wednesday and claimed to have repelled attacks near Kursk. The Ukrainian parliament also adjusted its military mobilization rules, granting deferrals to soldiers with deceased or missing family members and those released from Russian captivity.

* **Putin’s Stance:** While a Reuters report suggested Putin might be open to discussing a ceasefire with President-elect Trump, the Kremlin denied this, reiterating Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s neutrality, border security guarantees, and the removal of foreign weapons from Ukrainian territory.

The ongoing conflict, now exceeding 1000 days, shows no signs of de-escalation. The use of long-range missiles and the hardening of stances on both sides raise concerns about a further intensification of the war and its potential global implications. The deployment of North Korean troops in the Kursk region further complicates the already volatile situation.

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