It was reported Wednesday that Ukraine once again struck targets in Russia with U.S. long-range ATACMS missiles. Ukraine began deploying the weapons November 19 against Russian targets following lame-duck Joe Biden approving the Ukrainian use of the systems. The missiles are capable of carrying a nuclear payload, although they have only carried conventional warheads to-date. Russia has given itself permission to retaliate against these attacks with nuclear strikes on the U.S. and NATO countries.
According to RT, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the missiles hit a military airfield near Taganrog, Russia.
“Two of the missiles were shot down, while the other four were affected by electronic warfare measures and veered off course, the ministry said in a statement. The attack inflicted minor damage on the airfield, with two administrative buildings and a number of cars hit with shrapnel. An unspecified number of Russian servicemen were injured in the attack,” RT said Wednesday.
The Russian Defense Ministry vowed retaliation for the attack.
“This attack by Western long-range weapons will not go unanswered, and appropriate measures will be taken,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement, according to RT.
Earlier that day, acting Rostov Region Governor Yury Slyusar said an unspecified ‘industrial site’ was hit by the missiles. About 15 cars in the parking lot were burned, RT reported.
Images document the aftermath of the attack in Taganrog.