In a sharp escalation of hostilities, Russia has accused Ukraine of launching US-supplied ATACMS missiles into the Belgorod region on 3 January 2024. The conflict, which has dragged on for nearly three years, continues to see both sides blame each other for attacks on civilians.
Retaliation Threatened
The Russian Defence Ministry announced that they intercepted all missiles sent towards Belgorod, describing the actions of the Kyiv regime—backed by what they call Western curators—as grounds for retaliation. “These actions will be met with retaliation,” the ministry stated, further intensifying an already fraught situation.
Casualties and Claims
- A recent attack in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region resulted in the death of a 74-year-old man, underscoring the conflict’s human toll.
- Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike has reportedly killed a journalist from Russia’s Izvestia, marking a dangerous trend for media professionals in war zones.
- Both nations have accused each other of escalating violence targeting civilians since the start of the year.
Recent Developments
In a statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he hinted at using hypersonic missiles to strike central Kyiv should attacks on Russian territory persist. This threat is reminiscent of past escalations where retaliatory strikes have been discussed openly.
Additionally, according to an AFP analysis, Russian forces have made significant territorial gains, advancing almost 4,000 square kilometres in Ukraine in 2024 amidst reports of chronic manpower shortages within the Ukrainian military.
The ongoing conflict raises numerous questions about the international implications of using advanced weaponry like the ATACMS and the future landscape of Eastern Europe.