Russian Ministry of Defense: Ukraine launches US-made ATACMS long-range missile towards Russia | International | Central News Agency CNA
On November 19, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukraine launched U.S.-made ATACMS long-range missiles at military targets in Russia. This follows the approval from President Biden’s administration for Ukraine to use American missiles.
At 3:25 AM local time, Ukraine fired six ballistic missiles at a site in Bryansk Oblast. Russian air defense systems intercepted five missiles, and one missile reached a military facility, causing a fire. The fire was extinguished, and there were no reported casualties or damage.
If confirmed, this will mark the first instance of Ukraine using U.S. long-range missiles to target Russia deeply.
Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Alexei Petrov on Ukraine’s Use of U.S. ATACMS Missiles Against Russia
News Directory 3: Dr. Petrov, thank you for joining us today. On November 19, Ukraine reportedly launched U.S.-made ATACMS long-range missiles at military targets in Russia. What is the significance of this development?
Dr. Alexei Petrov: Thank you for having me. This incident is indeed significant as it marks the first confirmed use of U.S.-made long-range missiles by Ukraine to strike targets within Russian territory. This could escalate the conflict further and may change the dynamics of military engagement in the region. It underscores the increasing depth of military support Ukraine is receiving from the United States and reflects Kyiv’s evolving strategy to respond to the ongoing aggression.
News Directory 3: The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that five of the six missiles were intercepted, with only one reaching a military facility. How effective do you think Russia’s air defense systems are in dealing with such threats?
Dr. Petrov: Russia has invested heavily in its air defense systems, particularly since the onset of the conflict. The successful interception of five missiles indicates that while their systems can be effective, there are still vulnerabilities. The fact that one missile managed to penetrate their defenses suggests that Ukraine may have identified and targeted less fortified sites or that Russian forces were caught off guard. It highlights a potential gap in their operational readiness.
News Directory 3: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy raised concerns about the increasing presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia, suggesting numbers could reach 100,000. What implications does this have for the conflict?
Dr. Petrov: The presence of North Korean troops, should it be confirmed, would pose a significant strategic challenge for Ukraine. It would indicate that Russia is seeking to bolster its military ranks significantly through external means. This could lead to heightened engagements and an intensification of hostilities along the Ukrainian front. It also illustrates how global alliances can impact regional conflicts, as North Korea’s involvement would not only complicate military calculations but also reflect deeper geopolitical dynamics in play.
News Directory 3: President Zelenskyy described next year as critical for the war’s outcome and emphasized a “resilience plan.” What do you think this entails, and how might it shape Ukraine’s strategy?
Dr. Petrov: President Zelenskyy’s emphasis on a “resilience plan” signifies a commitment to bolster not just military responses, but also domestic support and unity among the Ukrainian populace. This may involve enhanced military recruitment, improving logistics and supply lines, and securing further international support. The resilience plan could aim to galvanize not only military readiness but also economic and psychological fortitude against Russian advancements. The outlook for 2025 will hinge on how effectively Ukraine can harness both its internal resources and external alliances to sustain its defensive and offensive capabilities.
News Directory 3: given the current developments, what do you predict for the next stages of this conflict?
Dr. Petrov: Predicting the future of this conflict is challenging due to its complexity and unpredictability. However, we can anticipate an increase in the intensity of military operations from both sides as tensions escalate. Ukraine’s strategy will likely focus on leveraging its newfound capabilities with U.S. missiles, possibly targeting critical logistics and command centers inside Russia. Conversely, Russia will likely reinforce its defensive measures and may retaliate more aggressively. The broader implications could signal a shift toward a prolonged conflict, significantly impacting regional stability and requiring ongoing international attention and intervention.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights on these pressing issues.
Dr. Alexei Petrov: Thank you for having me. The situation remains fluid, and it is crucial for the global community to stay vigilant about developments in this conflict.
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the number of North Korean soldiers in Russia could rise to 100,000. He claimed that 11,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed near the Ukraine border. Zelenskyy accused North Korea of supplying weapons and troops to support Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of next year, calling it critical for the war’s outcome. He proposed a “resilience plan” to reinforce Ukraine’s determination. He warned that the conflict is not just about specific regions but about Ukraine’s future, Europe’s stability, and global order.