Russia's military has announced plans to retaliate against Ukraine following an attack on Russian regions. The assault involved the firing of six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and a significant drone attack.
Last year, Ukraine initiated a similar attack using ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles, prompting Moscow to respond with the launch of a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile named 'Oreshnik' at Ukraine.
The Russian defense ministry reported successfully intercepting all Western missiles fired by Ukraine at the Bryansk region, as well as downing 146 drones outside the conflict zone. Additionally, two Storm Shadow missiles were intercepted over the Black Sea.
In response to the attacks, the defense ministry stated, 'The actions of the Kyiv regime, supported by its Western curators, will not go unanswered.'
Ukrainian forces claimed to have struck deep into Russian territory, targeting oil storage, refinery, chemical, and ammunition plants in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula, and Tatarstan regions. The specifics of how these targets were hit were not disclosed, but drone and missile forces were reportedly involved.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concerns in November that the conflict with Ukraine was escalating towards a global crisis, particularly after the US and UK permitted Ukraine to launch missiles deep into Russian territory for the first time.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 has resulted in significant casualties, displacement of millions, and heightened tensions between Moscow and the West, reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Notably, the recent drone attack on Russia was one of the largest to date, causing damage to industrial sites in the Saratov region. Schools in the area have transitioned to remote learning due to the attacks.
Ukraine's military claimed responsibility for targeting the Kristall Plant oil storage facility in Engels, as well as the Bryansk Chemical Plant, which produces various types of ammunition. The attacks also struck a munitions storage facility at the Engels airbase.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange fire and engage in military operations, with no immediate resolution in sight.
