The conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies as Russia threatens severe retaliation following a missile strike on its territory.
At a Glance
- Russia accused Ukraine of striking a military airfield with Western-supplied missiles.
- Moscow threatened significant retaliation, including hypersonic missile use.
- Ukraine reported using advanced missiles to hit crucial Russian installations.
- Both nations sustain aerial assaults amid tentative ceasefire discussions.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict Intensifies
Russia accused Ukraine of launching missiles provided by Western allies, including ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles, on a military airfield in Rostov. Moscow’s warnings of counter-actions have heightened tensions further, as President Putin threatened to deploy hypersonic missiles if Ukraine continues its attacks on Russian soil.
Following the strikes, Russia claimed to have regained control over portions of the Kursk region. Kyiv reported that Ukrainian forces fired six ATACMS missiles at the Taganrog airfield, some of which Russia intercepted. Additionally, Ukraine targeted an oil depot in Bryansk. These strikes have intensified conflict dynamics and pressure on both sides.
Potential Russian Retaliation
Russia’s defense ministry publicly declared its resolve to respond to Ukraine’s missile strike with appropriate measures. A high-ranking official indicated Russia’s possible use of an experimental Oreshnik missile, which could dramatically escalate the situation.
“This attack by Western long-range weapons will not go unanswered and appropriate measures will be taken,” Russia’s defense ministry stated.
As part of Ukraine’s offensive, drones and missiles targeted an oil refinery in Rostov, igniting a major fire. Kyiv asserts its “tangible blows” inflicted damage on Russian military objectives. The aerial attacks from both nations have substantially increased before potential ceasefire conversations.
UK intel: Russia’s Oreshnik missile likely deployed for strategic messaging
Russia likely used its expensive, experimental Oreshnik missile as symbolic retaliation for Ukraine’s Western missile use, despite limited production, per UK intelligence.https://t.co/lGFuIAyQJA
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) November 29, 2024
Consequences and International Reactions
The U.S. remains firm on supporting Ukraine, promising nearly $1 billion in security assistance and enhanced air defense systems. This comes as Russia launched a significant aerial operation against Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure and using the Oreshnik hypersonic missile.
“Russia has signalled its intent to launch another experimental Oreshnik missile at Ukraine, potentially in the coming days,” a US official said anonymously.
Zelensky criticized Hungary’s Prime Minister Orban for engaging with Putin. Ukraine stresses that European unity remains vital in addressing Russian aggression. As conflicts persist, Ukraine and Russia’s actions have grave implications for regional stability and global security.
