Sat Jan 04 17:48:47 UTC 2025: ## Ukraine Uses Long-Range Missiles Against Russia, Prompting Retaliation Threat

**Kyiv, Ukraine/Moscow, Russia –** Tensions escalated sharply over the weekend as Ukraine reportedly launched US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) into Russia’s Belgorod region. Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed to have intercepted eight of these long-range missiles, vowing retaliation against what it called an attack supported by “Western curators.” Ukraine has yet to officially comment on the incident.

The use of ATACMS, which have a range of 300km, follows authorization from outgoing US President Joe Biden last year. This authorization, which was denounced by the Kremlin as a major escalation, comes despite President-elect Donald Trump’s vocal opposition to providing Ukraine with such weaponry. The White House, however, indicated that additional security assistance for Ukraine is forthcoming.

The reported missile strike coincides with a period of intense fighting. Russia launched numerous attacks across eastern and northeastern Ukraine over the weekend, resulting in civilian casualties, including the death of a 74-year-old man in the Kharkiv region and injuries to at least three people, including two children, in the Sumy region. The Ukrainian military reported further Russian attacks near Pokrovsk aimed at disrupting supply lines.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a massive barrage of Russian attacks in the first three days of the year, including 300 attack drones and 20 missiles, though a significant number were intercepted. He emphasized the need for continued international support to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.

Meanwhile, France is expected to deliver its first Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets to Ukraine this month, adding to the military aid already provided by the US. The situation remains highly volatile, with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin having previously threatened to strike Kyiv with hypersonic missiles in response to long-range attacks on Russian territory. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on a final trip before the Trump administration takes office, with discussions on European security and the war in Ukraine high on the agenda during his visit to Paris.

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