Russia Warns of Retaliation After Ukraine Strikes Military Airfield

Missile Strike on Azov Sea Airfield

Russia’s defence ministry announced on Wednesday that Ukraine had struck a military airfield on the Azov Sea with six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles. The attack could prompt Moscow to launch another experimental intermediate-range hypersonic missile at Ukraine.

Response from Russia’s Defence Ministry

According to the defence ministry, two of the missiles fired by Ukraine were shot down by a Pantsir missile defence system, while the rest were destroyed by electronic warfare. The ministry stated that “On the morning of Dec 11, 2024, the Kyiv regime launched a missile strike with Western precision weapons at the Taganrog military airfield in the Rostov region.”

Threat of Retaliation

The defence ministry warned that “This attack by Western long-range weapons will not go unanswered and appropriate measures will be taken.” Russia fired a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile known as “Oreshnik”, or Hazel Tree, at Ukraine on Nov 21 in response to strikes on Russia by Ukrainian forces with US and British missiles.

US Official’s Warning

A US official said on Wednesday that Russia could launch another hypersonic ballistic missile in Ukraine in the coming days, but Washington does not consider the Oreshnik weapon a game-changer in the war.

Escalation of the Conflict

The war is entering what some Russian and Western officials say could be its final and most dangerous phase as Moscow’s forces advance at their fastest pace since the early weeks of the conflict. President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office next month, has pushed for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the war quickly, leaving Washington’s long-term support for Ukraine in question.

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has left tens of thousands of dead, displaced millions, and triggered the biggest crisis in relations between Moscow and the West since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

Conclusion

The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations and threats. The international community is closely watching the developments, and the United States and other Western countries have warned Russia against any further aggression.

FAQs

Q: What was the target of the Ukrainian missile strike?
A: The target was a military airfield on the Azov Sea.

Q: How many missiles were fired by Ukraine?
A: Six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles were fired.

Q: What was the response from Russia’s defence ministry?
A: The ministry stated that the attack would not go unanswered and appropriate measures would be taken.

Q: Has Russia launched a hypersonic ballistic missile before?
A: Yes, Russia fired a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile known as “Oreshnik”, or Hazel Tree, at Ukraine on Nov 21.