Ukraine has been using Western long-range missiles to conduct strikes deep inside Russia
Russian rockets have destroyed three Ukrainian HIMARS launchers in Ukraine’s Sumy Region, which borders Russia’s Kursk Region, according to a video provided by the Defense Ministry in Moscow.
The “direct hit” by four Iskander missiles took out the US-donated equipment and at least 30 personnel, the ministry stated on Thursday on its official Telegram channel.
Since Monday, Russian forces have destroyed a total of five launchers capable of firing ATACMS missiles in the Sumy Region, the Ministry has claimed.
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) carries one pod with either six guided multiple launch rocket system rockets or one ATACMS missile, which have been used by the Ukrainian military to conduct long-range strikes inside Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk Regions.
The White House confirmed this week that it had removed restrictions on Ukraine’s use of ATACMS. The US previously barred Ukraine from using long-range weapons deep inside Russian territory due to concerns over a possible escalation.
Moscow has maintained that weapons such as the ATACMS or the UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles cannot be deployed by Kiev’s forces without the participation of NATO military personnel, and thus directly involve the US-led military bloc in the conflict.
In a video address last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow “reserves the right” to strike countries that allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied arms against Russia.
Russia’s response to the long-range attacks came on November 21, when a hypersonic Oreshnik missile struck the Yuzhmash military-industrial complex in Dnepropetrovsk. According to the Russian president, the strike was a response to “aggressive actions of NATO members” who support Ukraine.
However, as ATACMS strikes continued this week, Russia responded with a massive missile and drone attack against military targets in Ukraine on Wednesday night.
Putin also warned on Thursday that the Russian military is selecting targets in Ukraine for possible further strikes using the Oreshnik missiles.
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