KURSK, Russia — In a rare admission, Russia confirmed Tuesday that a critical air-defense system and an airbase in its Kursk region were hit by U.S.-supplied Atacms missiles launched by Ukraine. This marks a significant escalation in the war, with Moscow vowing retaliatory measures.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that Ukraine’s strikes damaged a radar system and caused casualties at a key S-400 air-defense missile battalion in Lotarevka on Saturday. The S-400, often touted as Russia’s equivalent to the U.S. Patriot missile system, is a cornerstone of the nation’s air defense.
The ministry also reported a second attack on Monday targeting the Khalino airbase, where one of eight Atacms missiles penetrated Russian defenses, causing “insignificant damage.” In a statement, the ministry declared that “retaliatory measures are being prepared” and released images of debris purportedly from the attacks.
This admission comes amid heightened tensions following the U.S.’s reported approval of Atacms use on Russian soil, a move widely viewed as a response to Russia’s alleged deployment of North Korean troops to bolster its forces.
Escalation on Multiple Fronts
Ukraine’s use of Atacms, advanced missiles with a range of up to 190 miles, signals a shift in its capability to strike deeper into Russian territory. This development follows months of incremental gains in Ukraine’s counteroffensive, which has faced criticism for its slow pace.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched a record-breaking 188 drones and four Iskander missiles during an overnight assault on Monday, targeting critical infrastructure and residential areas.
“Seventy-six drones were shot down, but 95 others were lost track of,” Ukraine’s air force said, noting significant damage. The western Ternopil region reported that 70% of its power supply was cut, leaving thousands in darkness.
Social Media and Verification
Footage posted online captured bright flashes above Kursk city, purportedly showing Russian air defenses intercepting missiles. BBC Verify confirmed the footage was authentic and filmed in the area but could not independently verify if U.S.-made missiles were involved.
Despite Moscow’s claims of control, independent Russian media, including the investigative site Agentstvo, reported Ukrainian losses at the fastest pace since the early days of the war. However, Russian territorial gains remain slow compared to their initial advances in early 2022.
Use of New Weapons
Adding to the week’s developments, Russia reportedly deployed its intermediate-range Oreshnik ballistic missile for the first time, striking the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. This powerful new weapon underscores the escalating arms race between the two nations.
Global Implications
The strikes on Kursk underscore the deepening complexity of the conflict, with Kyiv emboldened by Western-supplied weapons and Moscow grappling with increasingly sophisticated attacks on its soil.
As both sides ramp up operations, the risk of further escalation looms large, drawing increased international scrutiny over the conflict’s potential to destabilize the broader region.
