Putin Explains Why Russia Vowed to Retaliate the Use of US-made Long Range Ballistic Missiles by Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has clarified Russia’s strong stance on retaliating against the use of U.S.-made long-range ballistic missiles by Ukraine, a development that Moscow considers a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict. The controversy stems from Russia’s recent announcement that its air defenses successfully intercepted eight ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) missiles fired by Ukrainian forces. The missiles, known for their precision strike capability and a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles), represent a significant upgrade in Ukraine’s military capabilities, provided through Western support. In addition to the ATACMS, Russia claimed to have shot down 72 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting various regions, including Leningrad and Kursk.

Putin emphasized that Russia views these actions as provocations orchestrated by Western allies backing Kyiv. He warned that such moves would not go unanswered, signaling a potential shift in Russia’s military posture. In a statement from the Ministry of Defense, Russia declared that it would implement retaliatory measures in response to what it described as a deliberate attempt by Ukraine, supported by “Western curators,” to destabilize the region further. The Ministry described the downing of drones in the Leningrad region and Kursk as part of Ukraine’s sustained efforts to expand the scope of conflict into Russian territory. The strikes in Kursk follow an earlier surprise attack in the summer, highlighting the intensifying nature of the war.

The use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS has been a contentious issue. The outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden approved Ukraine’s deployment of these missiles in November, citing the need to counter Russia’s expansionist tactics, which included the controversial involvement of North Korean troops. Putin responded by unveiling Russia’s new nuclear-capable ballistic missile, ominously named “Oreshnik.” He hinted at the possibility of testing its capabilities by targeting Kyiv to evaluate the effectiveness of Western-provided air defense systems. The only recorded use of this experimental missile so far was in Ukraine’s Dnipro region on November 21, raising fears about its potential future applications.

The broader conflict has seen a sharp rise in drone warfare. According to Ukrainian Air Force Command, Russia launched 81 drones at Ukraine in a single night, employing a mix of Iranian-made Shahed drones and various other models designed to overwhelm air defenses. Ukraine reported successfully intercepting 34 of these drones, yet significant damage was inflicted in the Chernihiv and Sumy regions. The governor of Leningrad oblast, Aleksandr Drozdenko, described the recent wave of drone activity as unprecedented, with four UAVs destroyed in one night. A Ukrainian security official, Andrii Kovalenko, indicated that a seaport in Leningrad was among the targets, describing it as a critical element of Russia’s economic resilience amid international isolation.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to advance on the eastern front. The Russian defense ministry reported capturing the village of Nadiya in Luhansk, while pressure mounts in the Donetsk region, particularly around Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces are retreating. As the conflict drags into its third year, Ukraine remains on the defensive, facing not only military setbacks but also political uncertainty. Concerns are growing in Kyiv about potential shifts in U.S. policy with the incoming Trump administration, given Trump’s stated intention to end the conflict, which could significantly alter the dynamics of military support crucial to Ukraine’s defense strategy.