Russia intercepts eight Ukrainian ballistic missiles
Russia announced on Monday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed eight ballistic missiles allegedly launched by Ukraine.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the interceptions during its daily briefing but did not disclose the missile types or the exact location of the incident.
This marks what analysts believe could be the second instance of Ukraine utilizing Western-supplied long-range weaponry on Russian territory.
Ukrainian media outlet Militarnyi, citing the GEOINT project Cyberboroshno, reported that Kyiv employed ATACMS ballistic missiles equipped with cluster warheads to target a tactical aviation airfield in Russia's Kursk region.
Photos from analysts suggest the detonation of submunitions from two M39 cluster warhead missiles, reportedly striking an area used for parking aviation equipment, including combat aircraft. However, it remains unclear whether any aircraft were present at the time of the strike.
The ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) is a long-range precision weapon provided to Ukraine by Western allies. Its deployment represents a strategic escalation, allowing Ukraine to reach targets deep within Russian territory.
This incident underscores the intensifying dynamics of the ongoing conflict as Ukraine increasingly leverages advanced weaponry in its operations. Further details on the damage or strategic implications of the reported strike have not yet been confirmed by Russian or Ukrainian officials. (ILKHA)