Russia has vowed to retaliate after Ukraine reportedly launched a U.S.-supplied missile into Russia’s Belgorod region. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine. Over time, Ukraine has increasingly taken the battle to Russian soil, with recent incursions—such as one into the Kursk region—surprising both Moscow and the international community.
Following his 2020 election, President Joe Biden authorized the transfer of advanced American weaponry to Ukraine, including long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory. However, former President Donald Trump has criticized this move, calling it “foolish” and warning that it would only escalate tensions. Ukraine’s missile strike on Belgorod, which involved the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), is the latest in a series of attacks that have fueled Moscow’s outrage. While Russia claims to have intercepted all eight ATACMS missiles and 72 drones, it denounced the attack as an act of aggression by a Western-backed Kyiv regime.
The ATACMS missile system is designed to provide long-range strike capabilities, with a range of up to 190 miles. These missiles are difficult to intercept, making them a potent weapon for Kyiv in its ongoing counteroffensives to reclaim territory from Russian occupation. However, each missile costs between $1 million and $1.5 million, raising questions about the financial commitment required for sustained operations.
In addition to the missile strike, Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks, one of which allegedly killed a Russian journalist, Alexander Martemyanov, in a strike on his vehicle. These actions only serve to heighten tensions further, especially as Moscow vows to retaliate. Russian officials have warned that any further escalation could trigger the use of the “Oreshnik” missile, a weapon capable of striking devastating blows, which Putin has hinted could reduce the need for nuclear options.
The Russian government has consistently criticized U.S. involvement in the conflict, accusing President Biden of exacerbating the crisis. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for Putin, has said that any decision to supply Ukraine with advanced weapons is a “new spiral of tensions” that could lead to even more dangerous consequences. With Moscow’s threats of retaliation becoming increasingly serious, it’s clear that the situation is moving toward an even more perilous phase. The stakes are high, and as we continue to support Ukraine, we must be prepared for the risks that come with further provocation in this conflict.