Russia vows retaliation after claiming Ukraine launched US-supplied missiles

Russia has vowed to retaliate after claiming that Ukraine launched a missile attack using US-supplied ATACMS missiles at the Belgorod region along its border. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated on January 3 that Ukraine attempted to strike Belgorod with these missiles, but all were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defences. Moscow emphasized that these actions, which it attributes to the Kyiv regime with Western backing, would not go unpunished.

The ATACMS missiles, which have a range of 300km (190 miles), were authorized for Ukrainian use by US President Joe Biden last year, a move that has intensified tensions between the US and Russia. Biden is expected to announce further military aid to Ukraine soon. In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump expressed opposition to Ukraine using such advanced weaponry, citing concerns about escalating the conflict.

Additionally, Ukraine is set to receive French Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets this month, further bolstering its military capabilities. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned of potential hypersonic strikes on Kyiv if Ukraine continued using long-range Western weapons.

As both sides continue to engage in deadly attacks, Ukraine reports that Russian forces have launched strikes that have wounded civilians, while Russian attacks on the Sumy and Kharkiv regions have resulted in casualties. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia's "relentless" attacks, emphasizing the need for stronger air defence measures.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to South Korea, Japan, and France for meetings to discuss European security and the ongoing war in Ukraine before his term ends.