MOSCOW — Russia on Saturday issued a stern warning to Ukraine, saying it
will respond to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' attempts to strike the Belgorod
Region with American ATACMS operational-tactical missiles.
"These actions by the Kyiv regime, supported by
Western curators, will be met with retaliatory measures," read a statement
issued by the Russian Defence Ministry.
The ministry mentioned that the Ukrainian troops had
attempted to launch an ATACMS strike on the Belgorod region on Friday.
"During the anti-missile battle, combat crews of the
S-400 anti-aircraft missile system and the Pantsir-SM anti-aircraft missile and
gun system shot down all ATACMS missiles," the Russian Defense Ministry
stated.
In a major decision, the United States in November had
authorized Ukraine to use US long-range missiles to strike targets deep into
Russia territory.
It was reported that the UK and France had also given
similar permission for their Storm Shadow and SCALP.
Russia has repeatedly called it an escalation of tension
around the conflict.
On December 12, Russia accused the Ukrainian forces of
launching a missile strike with Western high-precision weapons on the Taganrog
military airfield in Russia's Rostov region.
Six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles were used, the
Russian Defence Ministry noted, adding that two of them were shot down and the
rest were deflected by Russian electronic warfare systems.
Falling missile fragments caused casualties among the
personnel, the ministry said.
"This attack by Western long-range weapons will not
go unanswered, and appropriate measures will be taken," it added.
As he wrapped up his state visit to Kazakhstan on
November 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin was asked if the outgoing Biden
administration's authorization to hit Russia with ATACMS affect the ability to
establish contacts with a future Trump administration?
"It is possible that the current administration
wants to create additional difficulties for the future one. This is also
possible. But, as far as I can imagine, the newly elected president is an
intelligent and already quite experienced person, and I think he will find a
solution, especially after he has gone through such a serious test as the fight
to return to the White House," said the Russian President.
